Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca sent out qualifying offers on Monday evening and guard Chennedy Carter was noticeably absent from the list of recipients.
Instead, offers went out to guard Dana Evans and forwards Michaela Onyenwere and Nikolina Milić.
These offers now make Evans and Onyenwere restricted free agents and Milić a reserved free agent. The distinction is tied to players’ ability to negotiate with other teams. The restricted qualifying offer comes with a one-year non-guaranteed salary and gives the Sky exclusive negotiating rights over Evans and Onyenwere. As a reserved free agent, the offer is the same, but Milić can only negotiate with the Sky.
The offer does not guarantee Evans and Onyenwere will re-sign with the Sky, either. On Jan. 21, they can begin receiving offers from other teams. If the Sky are unwilling to match, they can sign elsewhere. They could also be used in a sign-and-trade.
Carter is eligible to receive a restricted qualifying offer, sparking questions about why Pagliocca would opt not to offer all four players simultaneously. The outward perception is that the offer comes with little risk, considering the terms. Opting not the make the offer confirms the Sky’s reservations regarding Carter’s impact on the team’s culture on and off the court.
Carter led the Sky in scoring with 17.5 points per game, but there were questions throughout the season regarding her overall commitment to the team.
Players alluded to locker room issues during exit interviews and a culture that catered to the needs of a few versus the entire team. First-year coach Tyler Marsh has made clear his intentions to develop a system that doesn’t prioritize one player.
Considering Carter’s stats last year, it appears foolish for the Sky to risk losing the dynamic guard outright. The first reason Pagliocca could be unwilling to make that offer is because the Sky are looking for separation from the circumstances surrounding last year’s collapse. So, then, why not make the offer and subsequently trade her? Pagliocca could believe other teams will not show enough interest in her to package her in a sign-and-trade.
Pagliocca will have until Jan. 20 to offer Carter before she becomes an unrestricted free agent.