WNBA Expert Predicts Chennedy Carter’s Free Agency Destination

The Valkyries, in their inaugural free agency period, are reportedly considering a move for Carter to bolster their roster. While her talent is undeniable, concerns linger about the locker room dynamic she left behind in Chicago. Reports suggest that her behavior, which went unchecked by the former coaching staff, created tensions among teammates and may have influenced the Sky’s decision not to extend her a qualifying offer.

Head coach Natalie Nakase has emphasized the Valkyries’ commitment to building a team with high-character players who prioritize collective success. Given Carter’s past, this philosophy could lead to hesitancy in pursuing her. The Valkyries are aiming to establish a positive culture from the outset, and adding a player with a controversial exit might disrupt that goal.

WNBA Expert Projects Golden State Valkyries Will Acquire Chennedy Carter

Although Carter has been effectively let go by Chicago, there’s a big chance Golden State will pick her up. This prediction can be seen in an article written by Sabreena Merchant for The Athletic.

It is somewhat surprising that the Chicago Sky didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Chennedy Carter, who was downright dazzling for stretches of the 2024 season. Even if they didn’t want to keep her, they could have extracted some value from another team in a trade. Now, she’s an unrestricted free agent.

The only logic to Chicago’s decision is that there wasn’t meaningful interest in Carter (even then, take a second-rounder!) and that the locker room drama was too much to tolerate.

Despite her prodigious talent, Carter has now worn out her welcome in three franchises, and several others likely wouldn’t take the chance for fear of disrupting a winning culture. Golden State, however, needs to make a splash. With limited assets to trade for an established superstar, signing a free agent makes more sense for the Golden State Valkyries, and Carter fits right in.

Their expansion draft selections are all capable role players, but none can take command of an offense like Carter. She is the scorer they need, not to mention a highlight machine who would generate interest. Worst-case scenario, if Carter acts out again, Golden State can simply cut her and look to the 2026 draft for its next chance at a star.

Despite these concerns, Carter’s offensive skills could make her a valuable asset for any team. The Valkyries have a solid foundation following the expansion draft, but integrating a player with a history of locker room issues requires careful consideration.

While Carter’s talent could enhance the Valkyries’ lineup, her previous challenges may deter the team from signing her. As the free agency period unfolds, her next destination remains a topic of intrigue, with both potential benefits and risks on the table.