The Chicago Sky have opted not to extend a qualifying offer to guard Chennedy Carter, making her an unrestricted free agent. General Manager Jeff Pagliocca cited changes to the team’s roster and staff as key factors in this decision, despite Carter’s impressive performance last season.
The Sky have decided not to sign Carter, making her an unrestricted free agent. This decision comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Carter’s impressive performance last season, where she led the team with an average of 17.5 points per game. Fans were hopeful that the Sky would still make an offer, as they had until January 21 to do so.
In a statement addressing the decision, Pagliocca acknowledged Carter’s talent and contributions to the team. He noted, “Chennedy had an incredible season for us last year,” emphasizing her ability to impact the game at a high level. However, he also mentioned that recent changes to the team’s coaching staff and roster influenced their decision regarding her fit on the team moving forward.
Pagliocca expressed that the organization wanted to give Carter the best opportunity as a free agent, indicating that the decision was not a reflection of her skills but rather the evolving needs of the team. Reports suggest that concerns about Carter’s impact in the locker room may have also played a role in the Sky’s hesitation to bring her back.
Just recently, Pagliocca dropped an explanation why they chose to let Carter go to free agency. This can be seen in a tweet shared by Vanshay Murdock on his official X account.
Sky GM on not giving Carter a qualifying offer:
“Chennedy had an incredible season for us last year,” 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… https://t.co/3ypnM4RzxW pic.twitter.com/2L7ekY8xmX— Vanshay Murdock
(@VanshayM) January 21, 2025
As the offseason unfolds, it will be intriguing to see which team decides to take a chance on Carter. Her talent and scoring ability make her a valuable asset for any franchise looking to enhance its roster.
The Sky’s choice to let Carter enter free agency signals a new direction for the team. While her absence will be felt, it opens the door for potential opportunities for both Carter and the Sky as they look to build for the future.
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