It’s always surprising to see a team let go of its top scorer, especially after a season where that player carried much of the offensive load. Despite averaging 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game last season, Chennedy Carter seems to have no place at Chicago Sky anymore.

At first look, this might seem a strange move, especially given that the Sky was the second-lowest-scoring team in the league, made the fewest number of 3-pointers, and had the second-worst offensive rating in the league (via stats.wnba.com). Amid this struggle, Carter was the lone bright point in an otherwise lackluster attack.

Her brilliance on the court often felt like the glue holding Chicago’s offense together. So why would the Sky willingly part ways with their top scorer? The answer, while shocking at first, becomes clearer upon closer digging. For those familiar with the team, especially the die-hard Chicago fans, this move might not be as shocking as it seems.

Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune talks in detail about why the Sky is willing to let go of their star player, namely due to “offensive style and locker-room identity.” Carter’s ability to score in isolation provided a much-needed spark for Chicago’s struggling offense. But the biggest issue? They couldn’t get their offense flowing through rookie stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Instead, things got stuck in the paint, and their struggles from beyond the arc only made matters worse.

Carter’s heavy reliance on a high-volume, isolation-driven style demanded a significant share of offensive possession that clashed with the team’s need for a more balanced attacking approach. Her inability to take three-pointers coupled with the fourth-highest usage rate in the league (28.4) created an offense overly centered on her, limiting other opportunities for dynamic play.

On top of that, multiple sources in the league also claimed that the Chicago Sky players were unhappy with the way Carter behaved in the dressing room, which could also be one of the factors behind her dismissal.

GM Jeff Pagliocca acknowledged her brilliant season while also admitting that Carter didn’t really fit into the team. “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.”

There’s no denying Chennedy Carter’s status as one of the league’s most electrifying offensive talents. But the question remains: who would be willing to gamble on a player whose brilliance on the court comes with the risk of disrupting offensive systems and shaking up locker room chemistry? Well, let’s take a look!

Where can Chennedy Carter head to next?

Despite Chennedy Carter’s not-so-good history with her previous teams, the Golden State Valkyries could see her as the offensive centerpiece they desperately need in their inaugural season. Coach Nakase would be hoping she could be the one to tame the wild beast!

With the franchise looking to make an immediate impact, Carter’s explosive scoring ability could light up the entire Chase Center. With little to lose and everything to gain. They might be willing to take the risk as their roster still looks to find its identity. Nakase, no doubt, will be banking on Carter’s talent and hope it can help shape their future.

The Chicago Sky’s decision to let go of Chennedy Carter despite her standout season reflects a necessary shift in team dynamics and offensive philosophy. With changes on the horizon, Pagliocca is setting the stage for a new era where balance and cohesion will be key! Stay tuned for more WNBA updates!