After an impressive Olympic run with the French national team, Gabby Williams now faces a major decision about her basketball future. Williams, who helped France to a silver medal in a narrow 67-66 loss to the US national team, is weighing whether to return to the WNBA or stay in France for the rest of the year. Sources familiar with the situation suggest her decision will depend on whether she is “sold” by a team, a status that limits her options as a free agent.

Williams’ performance at the Olympics was nothing short of outstanding. She led Team France with 19 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists in the gold medal game and nearly sent the game into overtime with a last-second shot. Her performances earned her a spot in FIBA’s All-Star Five and recognition as the tournament’s best defensive player, cementing her status as one of the best international players.

Despite her success on the world stage, Williams has expressed uncertainty about her return to the WNBA. In a tweet from Winsider’s Rachel Galligan, it was revealed that Williams is carefully considering her next move, with teams such as the Seattle Storm, New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury reportedly in discussion. The key question seems to be whether those teams will use her as a starter, a stipulation that could limit her flexibility and control over her next moves.

If Williams does not return to the WNBA this season and stays in France, she will enter the next free agency period as a fully unrestricted free agent.

WNBA players try to “recruit” Gabby Williams

To add to the excitement, WNBA players have begun publicly lobbying for Williams to return to the league. Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, who has been closely watching Williams’ Olympic performance, took to social media to jokingly send Williams an invitation to return to the Sky. Reese’s offer, while not serious, underscores the desire within the league to bring Williams back to the United States.

Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks made her own recruiting push, responding to Reese’s tweet, “I asked Gabby first,” along with an angry emoji and a laughing emoji. A fan responded to Hamby, telling her to let the Sky recruit Reese Williams. Hamby responded by saying, “Nope. I love my baby but she needs to respect her elders in this case,” along with a few more laughing emojis.

However, Williams responded by suggesting that she might prefer to work with Reese in a different environment, possibly alluding to the new Unrivaled 3×3 basketball league, which offers higher salaries than the WNBA. In a previous interview with The Next, Williams had cited salary concerns as a factor in her decision to play overseas.