The Chicago Sky advanced in finalizing their 2025 roster by offering restricted qualifying deals to two players and a reserved qualifying deal to another player in hopes of enhancing the team’s supporting lineup.
Specifically, Dana Evans and Michaela Onyenwere received restricted qualifying offers after contributing off the bench and in starting positions last season, ensuring they stay with the team and not become unrestricted free agents when WNBA free agency opens on February 1.
Nikolina Milić, who didn’t play in the last WNBA season but was acquired through a trade in April from the Minnesota Lynx, received a reserved qualifying offer. The offer grants Chicago exclusive negotiation rights with Milić unless it’s withdrawn by March 7, at which point she would become an unrestricted free agent.
The Sky anticipates having all three players around for the start of the 2025 season in May. Evans and Onyenwere showcased their skills last season, with Evans averaging 7.2 points per game and shooting 37.6% from three-point range, and Onyenwere adding 6.6 points per game in her debut season with the Sky.
Notable Absence: Chennedy Carter
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While Evans, Onyenwere, and Milić received qualifying offers, the absence of Chennedy Carter’s name stands out.
The decision not to offer Carter a qualifying deal suggests the Sky might be looking to part ways with the star guard, who led the team in scoring last season. Reports indicate concerns about Carter’s impact on team dynamics and commitment to the franchise.
Team culture and the prioritization of team goals over individual needs have been key themes under new coach Tyler Marsh. The current leading player under contract, Angel Reese, has previously voiced support for Carter but acknowledged that everything happens for a reason.
The Sky have until January 20 to present Carter with a new offer before she becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Russell Steinberg covers Major League Baseball and the New York Liberty for ClutchPoints. A baseball and basketball lifer, he has written for Boardroom, SLAM, SB Nation, The Next, and more. He graduated from NYU in 2012 and still returns to serve as PA announcer and occasional broadcaster for the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.
