Full Breakdown
Las Vegas Aces Waive Guard Chennedy Carter
7/8/2026, 1:15:11 PM
Carter’s Turbulent Path to Las Vegas
Chennedy Carter entered the WNBA as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 draft, selected by the Atlanta Dream. A rookie ankle injury cost her the Rookie-of-the-Year award, and an elbow injury limited her sophomore season. She was suspended by the Dream in 2021 for “conduct detrimental to the team,” traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022, benched for “poor conduct,” and waived after that season. After a breakout 2024 campaign with the Chicago Sky—averaging 17.5 points per game and finishing fourth in Most-Improved Player voting—Carter sat out 2025, playing overseas in Mexico and China, before signing a non-guaranteed training-camp deal with the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in April 2026.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2020 – Drafted 4th overall by Atlanta Dream; rookie season ends with ankle injury.
- 2021 – Suspended by Dream for disciplinary reasons.
- 2022 – Traded to Los Angeles Sparks; benched for conduct issues.
- 2024 – Signs with Chicago Sky; averages 17.5 PPG, 3.1 AST, 5 REB.
- 2025 – Plays abroad; remains unsigned in the WNBA.
- April 2026 – Signs with Las Vegas Aces after training-camp invitation.
- May 2026 – Scores 19.1 PPG in first seven games; earns Sixth-Player of the Year consideration.
- May 29 2026 – Posts on social media that she is “on a leash.”
- June 2026 – Misses three games with a left-leg injury, then five more with an unspecified illness.
- July 3 2026 – Appears 11 minutes, scores four points in an overtime win over Chicago.
- July 5 2026 – Plays 15 minutes, scores zero in a loss to Indiana.
- Tuesday, July 2026 – Waived to make roster space for rookie guard/forward Justine Pissott.
Performance Metrics
- Games with Aces: 13 of 21; 12.2 PPG, 1.3 AST, 1.8 REB.
- Shooting: .600 FG%, .524 3P% (per News 3LV).
- May 2026 (first seven games): 17.5 PPG on 65.1 % shooting, 58.8 % from three; led league in bench scoring.
- June/July 2026: 5 games, 3.8 PPG on 35.3 % shooting, 25 % from three.
- Flagrant fouls: League-leading four, including a notable foul on Caitlin Clark.
Implications for the Aces and the League
The waiver opens a roster spot for Justine Pissott, a 6-foot-4 developmental player drafted No. 25 in 2026. The Aces, tied for the league lead at 15-6, have maintained a 112.5 offensive rating since June 1, suggesting they can absorb Carter’s reduced production. However, the move underscores ongoing concerns about locker-room chemistry and the limited window for players with repeated behavioral issues to secure long-term roles.
Official Statements & Responses
Aces head coach Becky Hammon addressed Carter’s limited minutes in an overtime win, stating, “Chennedy should be good to go. Just made an executive decision there on what I liked and what was working.” The team’s transaction log recorded the waiver as a move to sign rookie Justine Pissott. No further comment was provided by the organization.
Criticism & Concerns
Former Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker noted on a podcast with Fever center Aliyah Boston that Carter’s “alluded to still being on a leash in Vegas… probably didn’t sit well with [head coach] Becky Hammon.” The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Sky feared Carter’s presence could deter future player acquisitions. Earlier in her career, teammate Courtney Williams reportedly told Carter to “improve your attitude” after a bench incident with the Dream.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the primary catalyst for the waiver. ESPN’s coverage cites a “left leg injury” and an “unspecified illness,” while CBS Sports emphasizes “yet-to-be-disclosed reasons” and points to behavioral concerns. The Aces have not issued a detailed explanation, leaving the exact weighting of health versus conduct ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just made an executive decision there on what I liked and what was working.” — Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Aces head coach
- “a leash” — Chennedy Carter, social-media post (May 2026)
- “Chennedy also alluded to still being on a leash in Vegas, which probably didn't sit well with [head coach] Becky Hammon, if I know her very well,” — Candace Parker, former Sparks star, on Aliyah Boston’s podcast
- “The official WNBA transaction log lists Carter as having been waived to make room for signing 6-foot-4 rookie Justine Pissott.” — Las Vegas Aces transaction log
Potential Next Stops for Carter
Analysts highlight three teams that could benefit from Carter’s bench scoring: the Minnesota Lynx (last in league bench points), the Los Angeles Sparks (seeking a short-term offensive boost amid Kelsey Plum’s injury), and the Golden State Valkyries (strong defensively but low in points-in-the-paint). Carter remains on waivers and could be claimed before entering free agency.
