"They would be completely irrelevant" - WNBA analyst spotlights Angel Reese & Kamilla Cardoso's role on Chicago Sky amid free agency buzz

Last season, Chicago Sky stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso made waves by earning an all-rookie team spot and made their presence felt in the league. While the team wound up failing to reach the playoffs after Reese went down with a wrist injury, the way WNBA analyst Annie Costabile sees things, the only reason the Sky were relevant last year was because of the two standout rookies.

During an appearance on Chicago Sports Network on Thursday, Costabile spoke about the impact the two had on the Sky, saying that they brought relevance to a team that desperately needed it.

Since Chicago's 2021 championship win, the franchise has continued a downward trajectory, suffering a second round elimination in the 2022 playoffs and losing in the first round the following year.

In the 2024 campaign, the Sky posted their worst record since 2020: 13-27. However, the team was one of the most widely-discussed in the WNBA thanks to Reese and Cardoso.

"Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso too, have brought relevance to this team that they've desperately needed in a time when, again, if not for them, they'd be completely irrelevant because of the product that they're putting on the floor," Costabile said. "And also makes Chicago an attractive spot when you have Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso right there."

Looking at the news surrounding Angel Reese and Co. amid the WNBA Free Agency

After missing the playoffs, Chicago Sky fans have been eager to see the team make a big move this offseason to bolster their roster.

However, they decided this week not to extend a qualifying offer to Chennedy Carter. While Carter led the Sky in scoring last season after initially joining the team on a training camp contract, they opted to allow her to become an unrestricted free agent.

Chicago is reportedly working on things behind the scenes. According to Annie Costabile, the team met with Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington, who is a restricted free agent.

While acquiring Carrington would require the Sky and Sun to finalize a sign-and-trade, an easier target could be Courtney Vandersloot, a player who is eager to play a bigger role next season.

Given that Chicago already has a strong frontcourt, the addition of a facilitator like Vandersloot could be exactly what they need.