Chennedy Carter has once again become one of the biggest talking points in the WNBA after the Las Vegas Aces waived the talented guard in July 2026. The move surprised many basketball fans because Carter had shown flashes of elite scoring ability throughout her professional career.
Although Carter possesses undeniable offensive talent, her WNBA journey has been filled with ups and downs. From being a top draft pick to playing for multiple franchises, she has experienced both success and setbacks.
In this article, we examine why Chennedy Carter was waived, her career with the Las Vegas Aces, her WNBA statistics, and what may come next.
Who Is Chennedy Carter?
Chennedy Carter is an American professional basketball player born on November 14, 1998, in Fort Worth, Texas. She starred at Texas A&M before becoming one of the most exciting guards in college basketball.
Her explosive scoring ability made her the fourth overall selection in the 2020 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream. Carter immediately impressed with her speed, athleticism, and ability to create offense.
Over the years, she has played for several WNBA teams while also competing overseas, where she consistently posted outstanding scoring numbers.
Chennedy Carter’s WNBA Career
Carter entered the WNBA with enormous expectations.
Atlanta Dream (2020-2021)
Her rookie season showcased her offensive potential. She averaged over 17 points per game despite injuries and earned a place on the WNBA All-Rookie Team.
However, off-court issues and organizational conflicts eventually affected her standing with the franchise.
Los Angeles Sparks
Following her departure from Atlanta, Carter joined the Los Angeles Sparks. While she displayed moments of brilliance, consistency proved difficult, and her time with the team ended after being waived.
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky gave Carter another opportunity, and she enjoyed one of the most productive stretches of her WNBA career. She became one of the league’s most dangerous scorers, regularly attacking the basket and creating offense.
Despite her strong individual performances, Chicago chose not to retain her after the season, making her an unrestricted free agent.
Chennedy Carter Joins the Las Vegas Aces
Ahead of the 2026 season, the defending champion Las Vegas Aces signed Carter to a training camp contract.
The signing generated excitement because the Aces already featured stars such as A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd. Carter was viewed as an explosive scoring option capable of strengthening one of the league’s deepest rosters.
She impressed during preseason, including an 18-point performance against Japan, earning a roster spot.
Why Was Chennedy Carter Waived?
The biggest question surrounding Carter is simple:
Why did the Las Vegas Aces waive her?
On July 7, 2026, the Aces officially announced they had waived Chennedy Carter. The team did not publicly provide a detailed explanation for the move. The transaction came alongside the signing of rookie guard Justine Pissott.
Several basketball analysts believe the decision likely involved multiple factors:
- Roster flexibility
- Salary cap considerations
- Team chemistry
- Rotational adjustments
- Long-term roster planning
Because the organization released only a brief statement, there is no confirmed indication that the move resulted from disciplinary issues or poor performance.
Chennedy Carter’s 2026 Performance
Before being waived, Carter had contributed valuable minutes off the bench.
During the 2026 season she averaged approximately:
- 14.4 points per game
- 2.0 rebounds
- 1.4 assists
- 1.0 steal per game
She also shot efficiently from both the field and three-point range, making her one of the league’s most productive reserve guards before injuries interrupted her season.
Those numbers demonstrate why many observers were surprised by the Aces’ decision.
Chennedy Carter Career Stats
Since entering the WNBA in 2020, Carter has established herself as one of the league’s most gifted offensive guards.
Career highlights include:
- WNBA All-Rookie Team (2020)
- Former No. 4 overall draft pick
- Career scoring average around 14–15 points per game
- Multiple 20-point performances
- Outstanding overseas scoring records
Her aggressive driving style, quick first step, and ability to score in isolation remain among her greatest strengths.
Why Teams Continue to Believe in Carter
Despite changing teams several times, Carter remains one of the most naturally talented guards available.
Coaches appreciate her ability to:
- Attack the rim
- Score in transition
- Create her own shot
- Put pressure on opposing defenses
- Change the momentum of games
When focused and healthy, Carter has demonstrated All-Star-level scoring potential.
Can Carter Return to the WNBA?
Absolutely.
At just 27 years old, Carter still has plenty of basketball ahead of her.
Several teams around the league could benefit from adding an experienced scoring guard. Given her offensive production, it would not be surprising if another franchise signs her before the end of the season.
She also remains an attractive option internationally, where she has consistently been among the top scorers in overseas leagues.
What This Means for the Las Vegas Aces
The Aces continue to chase another WNBA championship.
Waiving Carter gives the front office greater roster flexibility while allowing younger players an opportunity to contribute.
Even after the move, Las Vegas remains one of the strongest teams in the league thanks to its championship core and experienced coaching staff.
Final Thoughts
Chennedy Carter’s release from the Las Vegas Aces marks another significant chapter in one of the WNBA’s most intriguing careers. Few players possess her natural scoring ability, and her recent production showed she could still make a meaningful impact at the professional level.
While the Aces have chosen a different direction, Carter’s talent ensures she is likely to remain on the radar of WNBA front offices and overseas clubs alike. Whether she signs with another franchise this season or continues to excel internationally, her story is far from over.
For fans following the WNBA, Chennedy Carter remains one of the league’s most fascinating players—capable of changing a game with her speed, creativity, and scoring instincts whenever she steps onto the court.
