Chicago Sky GM reacts after MIP candidate Chennedy Carter expresses desire to return: "Engage when it's time"

Chennedy Carter missed the Chicago Sky’s last two games due to a foot injury. Already missing four key players, Carter’s absence doomed the team’s flickering hopes of making the playoffs. The Sky ended the season with a 13-25 record, the third-worst in the WNBA.

Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca, after having completed his first year with the team, has several options in the offseason. Reese and Cardoso are guaranteed to return but the roster could have a significantly different look to compete better in 2025. Pagliocca could retain Carter, a restricted free agent, or allow her to walk away by refusing to match any team’s offer for her.

Chennedy Carter had this to say about her future with the Sky (via Julia Poe):

“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.”

Poe also had this to report regarding GM Jeff Pagliocca’s comment about Carter’s season:

"She had an incredible season for us. She was very valuable. Obviously, she's a player that can impact the game at the highest level in this league. She's a player we're going to make sure we keep an eye on and engage when it's time."

The LA Times reported in 2023 that the LA Sparks had waived Chennedy Carter for “poor conduct.” She sat out the year as no other team wanted to sign her. This year, she received a training camp invite from the Chicago Sky.

Jeff Pagliocca’s move to invite Carter paid huge dividends. The shooting guard averaged 17.5 points per game, the best on the team. She also epitomized Chicago’s defensive identity and feistiness. The Sky lacked an edge when the Most Improved Player of the Year contender wasn’t on the court.

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Chennedy Carter breaks trend of players wanting out of Chicago

In mid-July, the Chicago Sky surprised the WNBA when they traded star guard Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun. For Chicago’s best perimeter threat and floor general, the Sun sent Moriah Jefferson, Rachel Banham, a 2025 first-round pick and a 2026 first-round pick swap. The Sky shipped Mabrey to Connecticut as she asked for a trade, per the Chicago Sun Times.

The same publication reported in July that Kahleah Copper also did a similar thing, eventually landing in Phoenix. Before Copper, former MVPs Sylvia Fowles and Elena Delle Donne also sent trade requests to the Sky.

Chennedy Carter is interested in coming back so Jeff Pagliocca might take advantage of that and match offers for her. Carter has shown superb chemistry with Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Diamond DeShields and Isabelle Harrison. The quintet could form Chicago's core in the next few years.