Chennedy Carter becomes Unrestricted Free Agent as Sky Opt Against qualifying Offer
The Chicago Sky have made a surprising move by not extending a qualifying offer to their leading scorer, Chennedy Carter, as the deadline passed on Monday. This decision allows Carter to become an unrestricted free agent, free to negotiate with any WNBA team starting Tuesday.contracts can officially be signed beginning February 1.
A qualifying offer is typically a low-risk, one-year, non-guaranteed contract often used to retain players during training camp. So, why did the Sky pass on this prospect for their top scorer?
“Chennedy had an unbelievable season for us last year,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement provided to the Sun-Times. “She’s extremely talented and is a player that can impact the game at the highest level in our league. We absolutely appreciate all she did for our team last year. However, we’ve made changes to our staff and will make changes to our roster. Those changes impact Chennedy’s fit on the team, so we wanted to give her the best opportunity as a free agent.”
Carter, who averaged 17.5 points per game in 2024,has had a tumultuous career since being drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Dream in 2020. After a suspension and a trade to the Los angeles Sparks in 2022, Carter was waived in 2023. She signed a training-camp contract with the Sky last February,marking her return to the league after missing the 2023 season. Over her 84-game career, Carter has averaged 14.6 points, 2.8 assists,and 2.5 rebounds.
However, Carter’s time with the Sky was not without controversy. According to multiple league sources,her behavior created tension in the locker room,which went unchecked by former coach Teresa Weatherspoon. There were concerns that re-signing Carter could deter other free agents from joining the team.
Pagliocca has emphasized collaboration with new coach Tyler Marsh and Sky ownership in roster decisions, suggesting this move was a collective choice. Meanwhile, the Sky extended qualifying offers to guard Dana Evans and forward michaela Onyenwere, making them restricted free agents. They also offered a contract to reserved free agent Nikolina Milić, who can only negotiate with the Sky.
With Carter’s departure, Pagliocca’s top priority is filling the backcourt with an experienced point guard and a versatile wing player. However, attracting top talent may prove challenging, especially as players express interest in amenities offered by the start-up league Unrivaled. The Sky’s new practice facility, being built in partnership with the village of bedford Park, is still a year away from completion.
Pagliocca’s best path forward may involve leveraging draft assets to secure the right players via trades.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Chennedy Carter’s Status | Unrestricted free agent as of Tuesday |
| 2024 Stats | 17.5 points per game (Sky’s leading scorer) |
| Career Averages | 14.6 points, 2.8 assists, 2.5 rebounds |
| Sky’s Qualifying Offers | Extended to Dana Evans,Michaela Onyenwere,and Nikolina Milić |
| pagliocca’s Priority | Acquiring an experienced point guard and a two-way wing player |
As the WNBA free agency period begins,all eyes will be on where Carter lands next and how the sky rebuild their roster for the upcoming season.
What do you think about the Sky’s decision? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates on WNBA free agency moves.
Headline:
WNBA’s Shocking Move: Why Chicago Sky Let Chennedy Carter Walk away
Introduction:
As teh WNBA free agency period kicks off, one decision has left fans and experts alike scratching their heads—why did the Chicago sky opt against extending a qualifying offer to their leading scorer, Chennedy Carter? The move allows Carter to become an unrestricted free agent, opening the door for any team to sign her. In an exclusive interview,Senior editor Sarah Mitchell of World-Today-News sits down with WNBA analyst and former player,Marissa coleman,to discuss the Sky’s surprising decision and its potential implications.
!Marissa Coleman Interview with Marissa Coleman
What was your initial reaction to the Chicago Sky’s decision not to extend a qualifying offer to Chennedy Carter?
Marissa Coleman: I was quite surprised, to be honest. Carter had a fantastic season, leading the Sky in scoring and impacting the game in various ways. Its unusual for teams to let their top scorers walk away,especially when they’re still under team control.
Based on Carter’s tumultuous career and behavior issues, do you think this influenced the Sky’s decision?
Marissa Coleman: It’s hard to ignore the off-court issues Carter has faced throughout her career. While she’s an exceptionally talented player, her behavior has caused tension in locker rooms and raised concerns about her ability to mesh with new teammates. The Sky might be looking to change the team dynamic and foster a more harmonious environment.
chicago Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca cited changes to the staff and roster that impacted Carter’s fit with the team.Do you buy that description?
Marissa Coleman: I think it coudl be a factor. The Sky did hire a new coach, Tyler Marsh, and there might be some growing pains as they adjust to his system. however, Carter had a triumphant season under the previous coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, so I’m not entirely convinced that the coaching change is the sole reason for her departure.
do you think Carter’s free agency will have a domino effect on other WNBA transactions this offseason?
Marissa Coleman: Absolutely.Carter is a dynamic scorer, and her availability as an unrestricted free agent will certainly attract interest from other teams. Her signing could force other teams to make roster adjustments to accommodate her or improve their own rosters. Additionally,Carter’s situation might influence how other teams approach their own free agents with checkered pasts.
What’s your prediction for where Carter will land, and how will her departure affect the Chicago Sky moving forward?
Marissa Coleman: I think carter could end up in a situation where she’s wanted and given the chance to prove herself, both on and off the court. As for the Sky, losing their leading scorer will be tough, but Pagliocca has already stated that he’s looking to acquire an experienced point guard and a versatile wing player.The Sky has the assets to make a move or two in the draft or via trade, so they should be able to remain competitive. Though, attracting top talent might be challenging, given the competition from the start-up league unrivaled and the Sky’s upcoming practice facility still under construction.
Thank you, Marissa, for sharing your insights on this intriguing offseason advancement in the WNBA.
Marissa Coleman: My pleasure, Sarah. It’s always fun to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of the WNBA.
