Chennedy Carter’s Sky Departure Looks More Probable Amid Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft

“If Chicago wants me back, I’m interested in coming back,” stated Chennedy Carter clearly. As she prepares to enter restricted free agency this offseason, the 25-year-old has not confirmed her return to ‘the Windy City’. Additionally, it is uncertain whether she will continue playing in Unrivaled or in the WNBA next year. Amidst this ambiguity, the Golden State Valkyries may target Carter for the 2025 season.

The Valkyries, the league’s first expansion team in 16 years, are scheduled to hold their draft on Dec. 6, which will be broadcast on ESPN. Each of the current 12 teams must submit a list of 12 players to be protected, whether they are active players, suspended, on the draft list/reserved core, or retired. Teams can protect up to 6 players, leaving the other half of their roster vulnerable for the Valkyries to select from. Recent reports suggest that the Chicago Sky may opt not to protect Chennedy Carter.

Based on their contracts, Spotrac compiled a list of players who could potentially be left unprotected, including Diamond DeShields, Lindsay Allen, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, and Kaela Davis. Carter has had a tumultuous WNBA career, playing for the Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, before finding a home with Teresa Weatherspoon and the Chicago Sky. Although she made her debut in 2020, it took her four years to return to the starting lineup. It remains to be seen how she will perform if she ends up in San Francisco.

“My main goal is always just to be somewhere I’m wanted. I love being here. I enjoyed the season. It was fun. It was special. If Chicago wants me back, I’m interested in coming back,” she remarked back in September. Teams are expected to submit their player protection lists about 10 days before the draft, and it’s speculated that Carter’s name might be on it.

Interestingly, Carter’s absence from the USA national team has caught the attention of Team Brazil. Despite denying participation in the Unrivaled league, her plans for the WNBA offseason remain uncertain. The only certainty is her continued dedication to playing basketball. However, staying in Chicago without Weatherspoon may pose challenges.

More than Angel Reese, Teresa Weatherspoon’s dismissal could impact Chennedy Carter

When the Chicago Sky announced the dismissal of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one season, Angel Reese expressed her dismay on X. In contrast, Chennedy Carter indirectly reacted by sharing Tupac’s “Dear Mama” on her Instagram story. She also posted a screenshot of the lyrics “you are appreciated. Lady, don’t ya know we love ya?,” with a spoon emoji at the top.

This gesture recalls a moment when Weatherspoon and Carter embraced in an early season postgame press conference after the Hall of Famer commended the Texas A&M alum for her hard work and growth. Weatherspoon was the one who welcomed Carter to the ‘Windy City’ amid her WNBA struggles. In the race for Most Improved Player, Carter averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 48.7% from the field.

Weatherspoon was also Reese’s first coach in the league, highlighting her influence on Carter. With Weatherspoon’s departure, will Carter even consider staying in Chicago? While exploring what Golden State has to offer may be enticing, Carter’s decision may not solely be in her hands.