1 player who can drastically impact WNBA offseason

WNBA free agency is set to feature plenty of stars. Kelsey Mitchell, Kelsey Plum and Satou Sabally are just a few of the stars who could join different teams ahead of the 2025 season. Of course, a number of impactful free agents will be cored by their current teams. Nevertheless, there is one specific player who could have a big impact on the WNBA this offseason.

Chennedy Carter is underrated. There is no question about it. She enjoyed a strong 2024 season yet did not receive nearly enough attention. Carter is going to be a restricted free agent this offseason, so a return to the Chicago Sky is likely, right?

Not necessarily, as there are a number of factors to consider.

Will Sky protect Chennedy Carter in expansion draft?

Carter played well in 2024 but there are no guarantees that she will be protected in the expansion draft. Each team can select up to six players to protect, with the unprotected players being made available for the Golden State Valkyries' expansion draft.

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso will be protected without question. Elizabeth Williams will also likely be protected. Dana Evans, Rachel Banham, Diamond DeShields and Carter are among the other candidates.

With all of this being said, there is a good chance of the Sky protecting Carter.

Carter's restricted free agency

Carter is a restricted free agent, meaning the Sky will have the ability to match any offer she receives in free agency. Players do still end up leaving at times even in restricted free agency, as teams are not always willing to match certain offers.

Teams that may miss out on Mitchell, Plum or Sabally could attempt to target Carter and at least give her an offer to see if the Sky are willing to match it. At 25 years old, Carter is going to receive interest after averaging 17.5 points per game on 48.7 percent field goal shooting during the 2024 season.

Chicago's decision whether or not to match offers for Carter will significantly impact the offseason as teams look for the best available players.

Sky's uncertain head coach situation

The Sky made the decision to move on from head coach Teresa Weatherspoon following the 2024 campaign. Carter will surely be paying close attention to the Sky's head coach situation. She will want to see who ends up getting the job.

Carter could even request a trade in the event that she is unhappy with the coach and the Sky match all contract offers in free agency. A trade request would certainly be an impactful storyline in the offseason.

Of course, there has been no trade request as of this story's writing. Still, the Sky need to hire a head coach who the players will respect.