The Las Vegas Aces Executed One of the Most Effective Offseason Moves

At training camp last month, A’ja Wilson spoke about the potential impact Chennedy Carter could have on the Las Vegas Aces. Excitement related to the WNBA has been growing this season.

“I was an opponent against her when she fried us, so it’s pretty cool to have her in the locker room now. So she won’t be frying us,” Wilson said. “She’s actually gonna be frying other people with our jersey on, which I’m very appreciative of.”

In the Aces’ opening night game, a 99-66 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, Carter began to show how she could impact the squad despite the loss. She tallied 10 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals. In addition, she converted 5 of 8 field goal attempts in her first WNBA appearance of the season.

But on Sunday evening, Carter began to show signs that she just might be one of the best offseason steals in WNBA history.

In the Aces’ 105-78 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, she scored a team-high 22 points on 9 of 13 field goals in 20 minutes off the bench, driving to the basket and scoring in various ways for her WNBA team.

Carter’s Record

Carter recorded a career year in basketball’s WNBA in 2024. She averaged 17.5 points on 48.7% shooting with the Chicago Sky. However, it was never clearly reported what went wrong. Carter did not sign with any WNBA team in 2025.

This past offseason, she joined the defending champions and immediately expressed gratitude for joining Las Vegas, a top franchise in the WNBA.

”We have Olympians on our team,” Carter said after a preseason game last month. “We have some of the greatest players and scorers in the world. So, just being able to play with them — it’s honestly an honor. I look up to them. They have embraced me, and they’ve made me feel comfortable, and they’re helping me grow and elevate, and I trust that they’ll help me take my game to the next level, and I’m going to help them grow as well. So I’m really happy here.”

Carter wasn’t the only reason why the Aces came out victorious on Sunday. Jackie Young tallied 20 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. A’ja Wilson posted 19 points, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Additionally, Chelsea Gray finished with 16 points and 5 assists, all shining in the WNBA spotlight.

The Aces, who looked outmatched on opening night against the Mercury, were clicking. They outscored the Sparks by 28 points in Carter’s 22 minutes, showing the depth of their roster in this WNBA season.

The Aces have won championships in three of the last four seasons. They’ll look to secure a fourth this year. It’s still early, but Carter looks like the next X-factor in the WNBA dynasty.