The Chicago Sky has been a focal point in the WNBA since the beginning of the 2023 season. At first, Chennedy Carter, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso made waves. Then, the same trio led the headlines ahead of the offseason for being absent due to injuries. However, the spotlight hasn’t shifted from the Sky’s roster. Once again, the buzz around the team remains the same, but not necessarily for reasons fans expected.

According to the Chicago Sky Times, the famous trio of the Sky seems likely to split soon. This comes after the leading scorer of the team last season, Carter, was excluded from qualifying offers, sparking heated discussions. And, as always, ‘Bayou Barbie’ was among the first to respond.

“Everything happens for a reason,” shared the 22-year-old Maryland native, lending her voice to the conversation. And it all feels right. Among the qualifying offers extended to Dana Evans, Michaela Onyenwere, and Nikolina Milić, Carter’s name was conspicuously missing.

Despite averaging an impressive 17.5 points per game on 48.7% shooting, Carter was left to test the market as a restricted free agent. “Everybody is in your life for a reason & a season!” added the ‘Chi-Town Barbie’ in a statement. These words were a hint at Reese’s support for Carter while embracing the belief that change can bring new opportunities.

This isn’t the first time Angel Reese has come out in support of Chennedy Carter. She has previously called Carter “one of the best guards in this league,” showing her respect for Carter’s talent despite the ongoing controversy. However, the decision to exclude Chennedy from the qualifying offers has definitely raised some eyebrows.

Tyler Marsh’s vision for the Chicago Sky: will Carter stay or go?

While Evans and Onyenwere are now restricted free agents, Milic has become a reserved agent with limited options, meaning, the forward can only negotiate with Chicago. The restricted qualifying offer, on the other hand, includes a one-year, non-guaranteed salary, giving Sky the exclusive right to negotiate with Evans and Onyenwere. However, for Carter, it seems her commitment to the team has been a lingering issue.

In fact, there were whispers about locker room problems last season during exit interviews. In fact, players mentioned that it was a “culture that catered to the needs of a few versus the entire team.” (via Chicago Sun Times)

However, coach Tyler Marsh made it clear when he said he wants a team-oriented system. “It’s not just player development that becomes part of who you are and part of my makeup. It’s time in the video room. It’s time creating scouting reports, so it’s certainly a little bit of a well-roundedness there,” he explained during his introductory press conference.

Not just that, he even mentioned Reese and Kamilla Cardoso as “cornerstones” of the franchise. Meanwhile, there wasn’t any mention of Carter. And that’s why it seems Sky’s letting Chennedy Carter go. But, considering her ability, it would be risky to omit her from Sky’s roster entirely.

Still, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has until January 20 to offer Carter a deal before she becomes an unrestricted free agent and begins looking at other opportunities. What do you think he would do?