4 Sky players who won't return next season after missing playoffs

Will these players leave the Sky?

Jun 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Isabelle Harrison (20) goes to the basket against the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a basketball game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Isabelle Harrison (20) goes to the basket against the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a basketball game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Sky narrowly missed the WNBA playoffs. They looked like a postseason team for most of the season, but Angel Reese's season-ending injury halted their momentum. With Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter on the roster, the future is still hopeful for this Sky team.

They have work to do during the offseason without question. It remains to be seen how aggressive Chicago will be in WNBA free agency. They certainly should look into adding capable three-point shooters. The Sky's long-range prowess was far from ideal in 2024.

There is more to consider than who the team may add, however. The Sky have four players who will likely find a new team this offseason.

4. Dana Evans

Evans, 26, is a restricted free agent. The Sky's primary focus will be on adding three-point shooting and Chicago could use guard depth. So why wouldn't they match offers for Evans?

The Sky need a fresh start at the guard position. Evans played fairly well in 2024, averaging 7.2 points and 2.4 assists per outing across 39 games played. She also shot 37.8 percent from beyond the arc while averaging just under three three-point attempts per game.

One has to imagine that Evans will receive interest in free agency. If the Sky want to add upgrades at guard, then they may need to let Evans walk in free agency.

3. Brianna Turner

Turner is an unrestricted free agent. The 28-year-old was limited to only 27 games played in 2024.

Turner spent 2019-2023 with the Phoenix Mercury. The Sky were hoping she would provide important depth in 2024, but she did not make too much of an impact.

Is there a chance that the Sky will consider re-signing Turner if she does not receive interest from other teams? Sure, but there isn't necessarily much motivation to re-sign Turner.

2. Diamond DeShields

Will unrestricted free agent Diamond DeShields find a new home in 2025? The 2019 All-Star endured an up and down return to Chicago. She had previously played for the Sky from 2018-2021 before returning to the team this past season.

DeShields is not the same All-Star caliber player she once was, though. As aforementioned, the Sky need three-point shooting help and DeShields struggled mightily from deep in 2024. Chicago will likely turn their attention elsewhere during the offseason.

1. Isabelle Harrison

Harrison, 30, is an unrestricted free agent as well. The veteran forward appeared in 36 games during the '24 campaign. She produced respectable results off the bench, likely catching the attention of teams in need of forward help.

The Sky are not one of those teams. In all reality, Harrison is a quality role player who can help a team win games. But the fit needs to make sense. Again, the Sky will probably opt to go in a different direction.