It was the first time since 2017 that Courtney Vandersloot came off the bench in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Atlanta Dream. With more than a decade of experience under her belt, this is definitely not how she envisioned things. This could be the biggest reason why her time at the Liberty is seemingly winding down. And now, it looks like Angel Reese’s team Chicago Sky is trying to bring her back home, where it all began. 

The franchise that drafted her back in 2011 could be making a big play for Vandersloot during this free-agency period. After starting in her first 80 games with the Liberty over the past two seasons, the floor general was moved to a reduced role during the 2024 playoffs. 

It’s clear that the Liberty’s plans for her have shifted, and when asked about her future, Vandersloot was candid. “I want to be valued,” she said. She also emphasized that she wants a team that values what she brings to the table.

 “I want to have the ball in my hands and be able to create the way I think that I can,” she added. It’s clear Vandersloot is looking for a place where she can shine and be an integral part of the offense, not just a bench player. This brings us to a meeting that went down on Tuesday in Miami.

Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca and new coach Tyler Marsh met with Vandersloot, say sources and they also spoke with Sun guard DiJonai Carrington, a restricted free agent. The Liberty star was in Miami playing for Unrivaled. But, as you can imagine, it’s not going to be an easy task.

The Sky’s cap space is a little tricky, too as reported by Annie Costabile from Chicago Sun Times. They have $923,625 to spend, which puts them in the third-best position in terms of cap space in the league. But they have between five and six roster spots to fill, and with players like Chennedy Carter likely on her way out, the Sky might have to make some more moves to make room for Vandersloot’s return. 

Despite averaging 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game last season, Carter reportedly will be let go due to clashes with teammates over her style of play and locker-room presence. Some sources claim her inability to mesh with rookie stars like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso’s playing style is a major factor in her potential departure. 

With her possible exit and Vandersloot being so transparent about what she’s looking for—“a place that takes care of me, wants me to be there”—this could be a perfect opportunity for the Sky to make a move. 

However, if the Sky doesn’t manage to lure her in, there are a few other teams that might.

If not Angel Reese’s Sky, What other spots could Courtney Vandersloot consider?

First, we have the Golden State Valkyries. They are a young, up-and-coming team with plenty of room for leadership. They don’t have an established point guard, so the 35-year-old could come in and take the reins right away. It’s a fresh start in a new franchise, which could be exactly what Vandersloot is looking for.

Next up is Aces. Now, Vegas already has Chelsea Gray, one of the best point guards in the league. But with the possibility of guard Kelsey Plum being traded, there could be room for Vandersloot to slide into a backup role. But if the Aces go for another off-ball guard, Vandersloot’s role might be limited.

The Seattle Storm is another potential spot. Vandersloot is from the Seattle area, and the connection to the coaching staff is also in the picture. Assistant coach Pokey Chatman, who drafted Vandersloot in Chicago back in 2011, now coaches in Seattle. There’s a lot of familiarity there.

The question is, though, how does Vandersloot fit alongside guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who’s locked in through 2025?

Finally, there’s Minnesota. The Lynx could use a point guard like Vandersloot to take them to the next level. However, it’s unclear whether head coach Cheryl Reeve wants to disrupt the chemistry she’s built. So, can the Sky lure Vandersloot back? With so many teams in the mix, this free agency period is going to be intense. Let’s see where Courtney takes her veteran experience next!