WNBA: Why Chennedy Carter is the domino for the Chicago Sky this offseason

The Chicago Sky are in a delicate position.

After a 13-27 season and the abrupt firing of then-head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, the Sky could have a difficult time making their case to prospective free agents. Considering their recent revolving door of coaches and players, the perception almost meets reality.

The presence of Angel Reese and Kamila Cardoso, along with new head coach Tyler Marsh, whose background in player development has won him praise, won’t be enough. The organization must keep together a solid core and build from there.

Here’s where the Sky stand entering free agency, followed by a discussion of the one player who could determine the success or failure of Chicago’s offseason:

Facts and figures*

Players under contract (contract status; 2025 salary)

• Lindsay Allen (unprotected; $90,000)
• Rachel Banham (protected veteran; $95,000)
• Kamilla Cardoso (unprotected; $78,066)
• Moriah Jefferson (protected veteran; $145,000)
• Angel Reese (unprotected; $74,909)
• Elizabeth Williams (unprotected; $100,000)

Free agent (type; 2024 salary)

• Chennedy Carter (restricted; $76,535)
• Diamond DeShields (unrestricted; $100,000)
• Dana Evans (restricted; $78,469)
• Isabelle Harrison (unrestricted; $160,000)
• Michaela Onyenwere (restricted; $85,690)
• Brianna Tuner (unrestricted; $150,000)

Total salary of free agents: $650,694

Total team salary: $583,475

Cap space: $923,625

2025 WNBA Draft picks (2025 salary)

• Round 1, No. 3 ($78,831)
• Round 1, No. 10 ($72,455)

It all starts with Chennedy

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Along with the many rumblings about who the Sky could pick up with the hopes of making a difference, from the Seattle Storm’s Jewell Lloyd to Tiffany Mitchell and DiJonai Carrington of the Connecticut Sun, there is one name who could make all the difference: Chennedy Carter.

The restricted free agent just completed the best season of her four-year WNBA career. After coming off the bench at the beginning of the year, Carter found herself in the starting rotation and, in turn, became an explosive offensive weapon. Carter averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and three assists per game. She also shot 48 percent from the field, the highest of her career. She demonstrated herself to be a leader on the floor, guiding the team through treacherous periods. She is currently averaging 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists playing for Wuhan in the WCBA.

Given her status as a restricted free agent, the Sky own her rights, but another team could come along and make her an offer. She fits the mold of what Marsh is looking for in terms of shooting, which the Sky must improve upon. She also is a favorite among the Chicago fan base.

If the Sky can keep Carter, then the team will be in a better position to harness the talent they have, fulfill the needs of the new coach and potentially bring in some additional talent. Carter’s familiarity with both Reese and Cardoso, in particular, is a plus, especially as they work on expanding their games.

The next moves for the Sky to consider

Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

If Carter stays, then Michaela Onyenwere, an emerging talent who also is a restricted free agent, would likely stay. Carter makes Onyenwere a more viable presence on the wing, as Onyenwere saw her numbers and minutes rise last season while playing alongside Carter.

Carter’s strength in transition could also do wonders in helping guards Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham, both of whom were acquired midseason from the Sun and are known as solid shooters, find open opportunities from the beyond the arc or score on the break.

There are questions about whether Carter staying would jeopardize the future of point guard Dana Evans. Evans, the only remaining member of the 2021 championship team, was replaced by Carter as the starting point guard last June. Evans returned to the spot later in the season when Carter was out due to illness. In turn, Evans became one of the leading scorers. There are rumors of Evans’ discontent with the team, but if she is able to stay and work in tandem with Carter, it could put all those rumors to rest.

Then, if Chicago is able to get a player of Carrington’s status, such a player could form a solid one-two combination with Carter. Carrington, who is a restricted free agent, is known for being an effective defender, with the turnovers she forces then allowing Carter to push the tempo in transition.

But, it all comes back to Carter

Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images

The free agent market will look different this year in large part to the WNBPA opting out of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). As a result, contracts for free agents will likely be one-year deals, which could effect the ability of the Sky to entice veteran talents to sign with the team.

Carter has indicated she would consider staying in Chicago, but it remains uncertain as to whether she chooses to stay. She is the caliber of player and leader a team could rely on. While Marsh is understandably focused on the current roster, it would be unwise to not try to do everything within reason to convince Carter to stay considering all the tangibles she can bring to the team.

Either way, the Sky’s future and what the 2025 season roster will look like begins with the future of the player known as “Hollywood”.

*Thanks to Her Hoop Stats for all roster information and salary numbers.