Chennedy Carter’s play in China during the WNBA’s offseason will make her an attractive option for teams looking for a spark next season.
The 26-year-old currently is playing for Wuhan Shengfan, a team in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association and has been on a tear this season. In eight games this season, Carter is averaging 31.5 points on 60.6 percent shooting from the field and 26.9 percent from 3-point land to go along with 8.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.1 steals.
Recently, the star scored 44 points on 15-of-22 shooting from the field, nailing two of her eight 3-point attempts. Carter also grabbed 14 rebounds, dished out three assists, and had one steal in the 94-79 win over Hefei, capping off an impressive stretch of games for Carter.
In her last four games – with three wins – Carter averaged 40.7 points on an incredible 60.2 percent shooting from the field, 11.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. The only blemish is her 3-point shooting, sinking only 10 of her 33 attempts for a 30.3 conversion rate.
Considering how she is performing overseas, Carter is showing teams stateside what they could be getting if they sign her in free agency. However, the 26-year-old is a restricted free agent with the Chicago Sky, giving general manager Jeff Pagliocca a decision to make regarding the guard.
Because she is a restricted free agent, the Sky can extend a qualifying offer from Jan. 11 to 20, which Chicago is planning to do, per The Chicago Tribune. If Carter accepts Chicago’s offer, she will be paid just more than her 2024 salary ($76,535). Still, Carter can negotiate with every team in the league on Jan. 21, even if the Sky extend a qualifying offer.
From there, the Sky can choose to match any offer sheet Carter receives. If Chicago chooses not to match, the star guard can sign with whichever team she chooses on Feb. 1, though there are many factors to consider aside from her scoring to determine whether Carter is a fit for a prospective team.
Though Carter averaged a career-high 17.5 points per game last season, she did so despite shooting 29.0 percent from beyond the arc. Chicago needs a guard to give Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese more room to operate, and as a career 29.3 percent shooter from 3-point land, Carter’s lack of outside presence could be detrimental to what the Sky want to do moving forward.
Additionally, Carter’s attitude has been called to question. Last season, Carter was second in the league in flagrant fouls with three and the guard’s demeanor seemingly has been as issue throughout her time in the league.
In 2021, Carter was suspended by the Atlanta Dream for fighting and the following year, she was benched by the Los Angeles Sparks for what they defined as “poor conduct.” Earlier in the 2024 season, Carter was caught in a firestorm after hip-checking Caitlin Clark to the floor.
It appears as if Carter has been able to keep her cool in China, recently being awarded the league’s “Good Temper Award.” Carter was given 10,000 yuan, roughly $1,370, for keeping her emotions in check throughout the young season.
“Carter is a passionate athlete with a hot temper at times, which has been a ‘double-edged sword’ that restricts her development,” the initial statement read. “However, this season, she effectively controlled her emotions and put more energy into the game itself. The number of times she argued with referees and opponents has significantly decreased.”
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