The real work is about to start for Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca.
Even though the Sky finished in 10th place at 13-27 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018, the 2024 season was ultimately a success for the franchise. The Sky drafted two top talents in rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, recouped most of the draft capital squandered by former coach/GM James Wade and strengthened the foundation of a multiyear rebuild.
But that type of success relies on future moves. Now Pagliocca and the Sky front office enter a crucial offseason featuring a deep free-agent market and two important draft selections. Here’s what to know about the next six months for the Sky.
1. Will the Sky re-sign Chennedy Carter?
Even with two acclaimed rookies on the roster, Carter was the Sky’s breakout star. After sitting out the entire 2023 WNBA season without a team, Carter emerged as one of the best shooting guards in the league, averaging 17.5 points, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 48.7% from the field. She should be in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award.
While Carter did not fully commit to returning to Chicago next season during her media exit interview, she made it clear she’s targeting the Sky as she enters restricted free agency.
“My main goal is always just to be somewhere I’m wanted,” Carter said. “I love being here. I enjoyed the season. It was fun. It was special. If Chicago wants me back, I’m interested in coming back.”
The Sky have the right to match any offer Carter receives in free agency — and given her impact, it’s hard to imagine they wouldn’t do so.
“She had an incredible season for us,” Pagliocca said. “She was very valuable. Obviously she’s a player that can impact the game at the highest level in this league. She’s a player we’re going to make sure we keep an eye on and engage when it’s time.”
2. What about the rest of the unsigned players?
Five other Sky players will enter free agency this winter: Isabelle Harrison (unrestricted), Brianna Turner (unrestricted), Diamond DeShields (unrestricted), Michaela Onyenwere (restricted) and Dana Evans (restricted).
It’s clear Evans is unlikely to return after four years with the Sky. DeShields is also unlikely to receive an offer after a lackluster performance despite a mostly successful return from injury. Harrison and Turner were important backup forwards, but the Sky don’t need to feel urgency attempting to re-sign either player.
Onyenwere is the only true free-agent priority outside of Carter. After barely playing in the first half of the season, she stepped into the starting lineup after the Olympic break and immediately showed proficiency as a playmaker and defender, averaging 10.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
She’s still working to build out her 3-point shooting production, but Onyenwere’s versatility on the court and leadership in the locker room make her a clear fit for the Sky’s immediate and potentially long-term future.
3. Whom should the Sky target in free agency?
Free agency has been a sore subject for the Sky the last two offseasons. They lost more top talent — including Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot — than they gained, in addition to meeting Kahleah Copper’s trade request after failing to assemble a competitive roster in free agency last year.
While the team announced plans in July to build a training facility in Bedford Park by the end of 2025, it still is working on rehabbing its image to attract veterans on the open market.
Pagliocca noted Friday that executives around the league anticipate most free agents will look to sign one-year deals in order to maximize their earning after the collective bargaining agreement is renegotiated to accommodate larger contracts.
This could be a positive for the Sky, who may be an attractive destination for free agents looking to sign a one-year contract who also are realistic about joining a roster that likely won’t compete for a title in 2025. With the most salary-cap space of any team, the Sky are well-positioned to shell out bigger one-year deals to attract top free agents.
After re-signing center Elizabeth Williams to a one-year deal, the Sky will focus on wings and guards in free agency and the draft. Pagliocca outlined three main priorities for those positions: length, shooting and playmaking.
A few top targets to pursue are Seattle Storm guard Sami Whitcomb, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell and Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally.
Another possible move could be signing Brynna Maxwell, whom the Sky drafted at No. 13 this year before cutting the rookie in training camp when she suffered a knee injury. Maxwell has been slinging 3-pointers in the Spanish league for Celta Femxa Zorka Vigo and looks ready to make a delayed WNBA debut next season.
4. Where will the Sky pick in the draft?
The Sky have two first-round picks in 2025, including a lottery pick (top four) for missing the playoffs. Their second first-round selection will be No. 9, acquired from the Connecticut Sun in the Olympic-break trade for Marina Mabrey.
The WNBA hasn’t announced a date for the draft lottery, but it typically takes place in mid-December. The Sky can’t land the No. 1 pick — likely to be UConn star Paige Bueckers — because the Wings own swap rights to their selection. But this draft is full of strong guard and wing options who could be difference makers in Chicago.
Many of the top draft prospects are returning from major injuries and others might stay in college for their final year of eligibility, so it’s difficult to make early predictions. But here are some names for fans to keep an eye on during the upcoming college season: Olivia Miles (Notre Dame), Azzi Fudd (UConn), Georgia Amoore (Kentucky), Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina), Rori Harmon (Texas) and Sonia Citron (Notre Dame).
5. How does the expansion draft affect everything?
The Golden State Valkyries are set to join the WNBA next season, which means the 12 current teams are bracing for the expansion draft, in which a new franchise has the opportunity to select players from their rosters.
The WNBA has yet to announce the date or rules for the expansion draft, but the structure from 2008 when the Atlanta Dream entered the league provides a road map to how the process likely will shake out.
In 2008, each team could protect six players from selection. The process took place in February, which is an interesting wrinkle — under that same schedule, the expansion draft would occur after many free agents have signed with new teams.
The Sky clearly need to protect five players: Cardoso, Reese, Carter, Williams and Onyenwere. If the draft happens after free agency opens, the sixth protected slot could be used for a signee. If it happens earlier, the Sky likely would protect guard Rachel Banham, who was a crucial 3-point shooter off the bench.
Teams also could get tricky with expansion protections. In the National Women’s Soccer League, teams have made trades to have their entire roster protected. If WNBA front offices use that tactic, there could be another bargaining chip on the table in offseason trades.
