The Chicago Sky are looking to make some significant changes this offseason, as they try to build an improved roster around recent first-round picks Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. They already made the somewhat surprising decision to not re-sign Chennedy Carter, the Sky’s leading scorer in the 2024 season. Now, they must figure out how to replace her production and what type of players they want to bring to Chicago.
The Sky technically have the means to make a big splash this offseason and land one of the stars on the market. One player the Sky have been connected to—Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd—is now reportedly not within reach for the Sky, as trade talks between the two organizations have stalled. Another guard is, though. Courtney Vandersloot is an unrestricted free agent and apparently looking for a new team after her role was reduced during the New York Liberty’s title run. A return to Chicago seems to be in the books.
Annie Costabile reported that Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca and head coach Tyler Marsh met with Vandersloot in Miami. A reunion with Vandersloot could be in the Sky’s best interest.
Courtney Vandersloot could help Angel Reese develop
Angel Reese’s development is the key to the Sky’s future success. She is, after all, the lone All-Star on the current roster. Reese already showcased some improvements playing in Unrivaled but still has plenty of work to do. One way to make things easier for her is to get her a teammate who can create open and easy looks for her.
In the 2024 season, only three players on the Sky’s roster averaged three or more assists per game: Marina Mabrey, Lindsay Allen, and Chennedy Carter. Mabrey was traded to the Connecticut Sun during the 2024 season, and Carter is not returning to Chicago for the new season.
Allen was solid for the Sky, but she is not the same playmaker Courtney Vandersloot is. In the 2023 season, as a full-time starter, Vandersloot averaged 8.1 assists over 39 games. The Sky could offer Vandersloot a bigger role than the Liberty did last year and expect a similar production from the veteran.
Playing with a guard of Vandersloot’s caliber may be just what Reese needs as she continues to improve and take steps toward becoming one of the best bigs in the WNBA. Barring her 3-point shot, which has not been good these past two seasons, Vandersloot offers exactly what the Sky need from a point guard at the moment. The veteran may not be a long-term solution for the Sky, but could help their young players for now.
While it is a good sign that the Sky got a meeting with Vandersloot, they will have plenty of competition. The Golden State Valkyries are still looking for another point guard, the Los Angeles Sparks desperately need someone who can take care of the ball, and the Minnesota Lynx need depth at the point guard spot as well. On top of that, Vandersloot has stated before that she wants to compete. Chicago may not be in the position to offer her that unless they can pull off another big move this offseason.