Following a disappointing end to their 2024 WNBA season, where they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018, the Chicago Sky are looking to strengthen their team around Angel Reese. Reports from the Chicago Sun-Times suggest that general manager Jeff Pagliocca is considering adding former Sky star Courtney Vandersloot in the upcoming WNBA free agency.
Vandersloot was originally drafted third overall by the Sky in 2011 and played the first twelve seasons of her career in Chicago. The star point guard played a crucial role in helping the Sky secure their first WNBA title in 2021.
After leaving Chicago and signing a two-year, $383,670 deal with the New York Liberty in 2023, Vandersloot is now an unrestricted free agent. She recently expressed her desire to join a team that values her contributions and allows her to showcase her skills on the court.
“I want to be valued. I want to be competitive,” Vandersloot stated. “I want to have the ball in my hands and be able to create the way that I think that I can, you know, and just be in a place that is comfortable for me and my family.”
During the 2024 WNBA season, Vandersloot averaged 6.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the regular season while shooting 44.5% from the field and 26.9% from beyond the arc. Despite a decrease in playtime during the New York Liberty’s playoff run, she secured her second WNBA title last season.
Angel Reese reacts to teammate being snubbed by Chicago Sky ahead of free agency
As the WNBA free agency is set to kick off on Jan. 21, the Chicago Sky has extended qualifying offers to Dana Evans, Michaela Onyenwere, and Nikolina Milic. However, their top scorer from last season, Chennedy Carter, did not receive an extension and will become an unrestricted free agent.
In response to the news, Angel Reese took to social media to share a cryptic tweet suggesting that while the decision may separate her from her teammate, it could also lead to new opportunities.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Angel Reese tweeted.
WNBA insider Annie Costabile reported that the Chicago Sky opted not to offer Carter a contract due to concerns about her commitment to the team both on and off the court.
“There are questions about her commitment to the team on the court and its culture off it that could contribute to the Sky being unwilling to even make the offer,” said Costabile.
The Chicago Sky appear to be undergoing significant changes around Angel Reese for the upcoming season, with major moves expected during free agency. They have brought in Tyler Marsh as the new head coach to replace Teresa Wutherspoon and hold the third overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.
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Edited by R. Elahi
