The Connecticut Sun will begin their 2025 season on Sunday against the Washington Mystics. They have spent the past few weeks preparing for the regular season. Following a difficult offseason, the '25 campaign could be a difficult one for the Sun. Nevertheless, the team is still going to try to compete. On Wednesday, Connecticut waived two players, via the WNBA transactions page.
The Sun waived Amy Okonkwo and Madison Hayes. Connecticut valued both players but ended up moving on in the end.
Sun waive two players
Okonkwo, 28, displayed signs of potential at the college basketball level. She landed a training camp contract in 2021 with the Dallas Wings before later getting waived. She has since played in different leagues before returning to the WNBA with a training camp contract with the Sun this year. As mentioned, though, Okonkwo was waived on Wednesday.
Hayes, meanwhile, played for NC State in the 2024-25 season. She ended up signing a contract with the Sun before getting waived on Wednesday. The 23-year-old has potential and will be an intriguing free agent.
In all reality, Okonkwo and Hayes could both receive interest from around the league. Even if they do not immediately receive contract offers, teams could look to sign them later in the season. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game and Okonkwo and Hayes could add depth to teams that are dealing with injured players later in the year.
Sun's 2025 outlook
Connecticut saw multiple players leave either via trades or free agency this past offseason. DiJonai Carrington and DeWanna Bonner are just two of the players who found new homes this past offseason. Marina Mabrey trade rumors have also surfaced, but it appears that she will remain with the team to begin the year.
However, the Sun are not expected to play at a high level in 2025. They enjoyed a strong '24 season, but as mentioned, they will feature a different roster in 2025, with many stars now playing elsewhere.
With that said, the players will not give up. The Sun will still play hard in an effort to challenge each of their opponents.
The Sun and Mystics will go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon at 1 PM EST in Connecticut. On Tuesday, the Sun will host the Las Vegas Aces before leaving for their first road trip of the new campaign.