What was once a promising future for two of the league’s most polarizing figures has now taken a turn for the worst. Fans, analysts, and insiders are all asking the same question: How did it come to this?
This story is more than just a lack of contracts—it’s a full-blown saga filled with locker room tension, social media battles, and career-altering decisions. Let’s break it all down.
The Chicago Sky Disaster – What Went Wrong?
To understand why Reese and Carter remain unsigned, we need to rewind to what happened behind the scenes with the Chicago Sky.
Chennedy Carter was coming off an impressive season, averaging 17.5 points per game, a stat line that should have earned her a secure spot on any WNBA roster. Angel Reese, meanwhile, had a solid rookie year, proving herself as a dominant rebounder and a vocal presence on the court.
Yet, despite their talents, Chicago refused to offer Carter a qualifying contract—and no other team stepped in to sign her. Reese, while still under contract, has not been courted by other franchises the way other young stars have been.
So, what happened?
The locker room dynamics in Chicago were reportedly toxic. Multiple sources claim that:
Carter had tense relationships with teammates and coaching staff.
Reese struggled with shot efficiency and clashed with veteran players.
The Sky’s former head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, allegedly favored Reese, leading to further divides within the team.
Players reportedly took their frustrations to management, and instead of trying to fix things, Chicago let Carter go—and left Reese without strong backing from the organization.
Now, both players are feeling the consequences.
Social Media War: Carter and Reese Take Subtle Shots at Each Other
If fans thought the drama ended with Carter being released, they were dead wrong.
Within hours of Carter’s departure, Angel Reese posted a cryptic message on social media:
“What’s understood doesn’t need to be explained.”
The internet immediately went into a frenzy, with many assuming this was a subtle shot at Carter. But the real bombshell came when Carter fired back.
She posted:
“I think the ability to consistently make layups just puts anyone in a different tier.”
Ouch.
If that wasn’t clear enough, Carter doubled down, following up with:
“Not everyone deserves your loyalty.”
The message? She wasn’t just mad at Chicago—she was mad at Reese, too.
Fans quickly connected the dots, pointing out that Reese’s finishing ability in the paint had been a major weakness, with one of the lowest layup conversion rates in the WNBA for a player her size.
Carter wasn’t just talking about basketball—she was calling Reese out directly.
The Fallout – No Teams Are Rushing to Sign Them
After the public feud, things only got worse.
Despite Carter’s talent as a scorer, no WNBA team has stepped up to offer her a contract. For a player who just averaged 17.5 PPG, that is extremely rare.
For Reese, while still under contract, her stock hasn’t risen the way she expected. Instead of being one of the most sought-after players, she has found herself overshadowed by other rising stars, with teams hesitant to embrace her outspoken personality.
This raises major questions:
Has Reese’s focus on social media and branding hurt her basketball reputation?
Do teams see Carter as too much of a locker room risk?
Are teams actively avoiding players involved in drama, even if they are talented?
One thing is clear—their reputations are now working against them.
The Bigger Picture – What This Means for the WNBA
This situation has become about more than just two players—it’s now a wake-up call for the entire WNBA.
The league is evolving, and teams are prioritizing chemistry, discipline, and professionalism more than ever.
Social media presence is a double-edged sword—it can build a player’s brand, but it can also turn off potential teams if used in the wrong way.
Toxic locker rooms are a dealbreaker—WNBA teams are smaller than NBA rosters, meaning chemistry matters even more.
Chicago failed to manage its internal conflicts, and now its two most talked-about players are without a clear future.
Where Do Carter and Reese Go From Here?
For Carter, she has one path back—prove herself overseas.
She has already shown she can dominate internationally, averaging over 30 PPG in China.
If she finds a team that values her skillset, she could make a comeback in the WNBA—but only if she keeps the drama off the court.
For Reese, she needs to shift the narrative.
She must focus on improving her shooting and efficiency, showing that she can be a consistent offensive force.
She also needs to show teams that she can be a leader, not just an outspoken personality.
If they don’t take control of their careers soon, they risk fading into irrelevance.
Final Thoughts – A Defining Moment for Reese and Carter
What started as a simple roster move has exploded into one of the biggest offseason dramas in WNBA history.
Carter and Reese have both found themselves on the wrong side of free agency, and their social media battles aren’t helping their case.
Will they bounce back and prove their doubters wrong, or will their reputations continue to overshadow their talent?
One thing is for sure—this story isn’t over yet.
As the WNBA offseason continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter. The next few months will determine whether this is just a temporary setback or the beginning of the end for two of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball.
