Imago
Credit: Imagn Images
Imago
Credit: Imagn Images
Teresa Weatherspoon’s first year as head coach didn’t pan out the way she wanted. The Chicago Sky didn’t make the playoffs, despite Angel Reese’s brilliant performances before her injury. The WNBA off-season is where they look to change that. But things aren’t looking up just yet for the team.
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After extending no core qualifying offer to star player Chennedy Carter, the team has been left with plenty reasons to consider their former guard, Courtney Vandersloot. Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca and coach Tyler Marsh even reportedly met with her on Tuesday.
However, the Windy City has competition for the veteran point guard.
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The Minnesota Lynx are proving to be a good fit for Vandersloot, as per reporter Mitchell Hansen. Not only did she meet up with the front office prior to her move to Liberty in 2023, but there is also reported mutual respect between the head coach, Cheryl Reeves, and the guard. Moreover, the Lynx may have just the spot open for the star guard.
As #WNBA free agency picks up over the coming weeks, the Minnesota #Lynx have room to make addition and have even been named a potential fit for a few notable free agents.
ICYMI at @canishoopus, I dove into that, looked at the current salary cap and more. https://t.co/89JZj2CeL2
— Mitchell Hansen (@M_Hansen13) January 24, 2025
With Natisha Hiedeman being a free agent and suggesting a move from the Lynx, the team could consider Vandersloot to fill in the void. She may help Courtney Williams with the backcourt and provide some veteran presence in the locker room. Further, given she’s coming off a championship season while none of the Lynx’s key players hold a title yet, it only adds to the case.
As for Vandersloot’s wishes, “I want to be valued,” she has expressed.
The 2024 champion entered the year as an unrestricted free-agent, after needing to come off the bench during the playoffs. Her stint at New York was short and successful, but her role got reduced dramatically during their title run. While the Liberty beat the Lynx to win the championship, Vandersloot did not see much playing time. Lynx or Sky, the veteran wants to be with a franchise that allows her an opportunity ‘to create the way she thinks she can’.
But what is the scenario looking like with Angel Reese & Co. for Vandersloot?
Chicago Sky lose two options, Angel Reese & Co. await star presence
After their decision to not re-sign their 2024 leading scorer, Chennedy Carter, Chicago Sky also reportedly failed in trying to secure another guard– Jewel Loyd. As per Chicago Sun Times, the trade talks between the Windy City franchise and Seattle Storm have cooled off, taking her off the table for Sky. This leaves them in search of a veteran star player this off season.
Sky will be looking to build a foundation around Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso going forward and Vandersloot might just be the veteran to help develop the players. Her playing-making ability for another, will be a pairing with Reese that the Sky can use. In the 2023 season, as a full-time starter, Vandersloot averaged 10.5 points and 8.1 assists over 39 games. But despite all the reasons, there could be a hiccup.
According to Chicago Sun Times, the team has a cap space of $923,625– third-best position in the league. But they have about 5 to 6 roster spots to fill and they will need to make some moves to accommodate Vandersloot. DiJonai Carrington has been another guard the team has spoken with, leaving room for uncertainty and speculations.
Written by
Edited by
Shivatmika Manvi