The KnoxNews notes a growing trend: "WNBA teams are passing on veteran free agents to sign younger, less expensive players."

"The salary cap came into real play this season," Monarchs coach/GM Whisenant said. "It makes it real hard to keep veteran players unless they're starters. It forces you to take minimum-salaried players to fill out your bench. You can't make the cap if you don't."

Ruthie Bolton is one who may get left out, but she still wants to play. "I've got two (Olympic) gold medals, and I've still got to prove myself," she said.