Aces Sign Controversial Guard Chennedy Carter in WNBA Free Agency

The talented but polarizing player joins the three-time WNBA champions after a year overseas.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:15pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game in motion, with players and the court fragmented into overlapping planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy and physicality of the sport.The Aces' signing of the talented but controversial Chennedy Carter represents a bold move to add firepower to their backcourt, even as they navigate the player's polarizing history.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Aces have signed guard Chennedy Carter, a controversial but talented player, to a training camp contract for the 2026 WNBA season. Carter, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Sky before playing overseas in China in 2024-25 after not receiving a qualifying offer from the Sky. The Aces are hoping Carter's skills, which include averages of 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in 2024, can provide a new dimension to their backcourt.

Why it matters

Carter is a polarizing figure in the WNBA due to some off-the-court issues and controversies, including a flagrant foul on then-rookie Caitlin Clark in 2024 that led to outrage. However, her talent is undeniable, and the Aces are taking a chance on her to bolster their roster as they aim for a fourth WNBA title.

The details

Carter recorded career-highs in points, rebounds, and steals per game with the Chicago Sky in 2024 before spending the 2024-25 season playing in China. She was not offered a qualifying offer by the Sky, making her an unrestricted free agent. Multiple reports cited concerns from Sky players and the organization about Carter's behavior and its impact on the team's chemistry and free agency prospects. The Aces, led by coach Becky Hammon, are now giving Carter an opportunity to prove herself and potentially earn a roster spot.

  • In June 2024, Carter committed a controversial, away-from-the-ball shoulder check on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
  • After the 2024 WNBA season, Carter did not receive a qualifying offer from the Chicago Sky and became an unrestricted free agent.
  • Carter spent the 2024-25 season playing in China, where she led her overseas league in scoring.

The players

Chennedy Carter

A talented but controversial guard who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. She spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Sky before playing overseas in China in 2024-25.

Becky Hammon

The head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, who saw Carter's skills up close when the Aces played the Sky in 2024.

Dana Evans

A guard who re-signed with the Aces this week and was a teammate of Carter's on the 2024 Chicago Sky.

Teresa Weatherspoon

The former head coach of the Chicago Sky in 2024, who was fired after one season. Hammon likely spoke to Weatherspoon about Carter.

Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever guard who was the target of Carter's controversial foul in June 2024.

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What’s next

The Aces will evaluate Carter's performance and behavior during training camp to determine if she earns a spot on the final roster for the 2026 WNBA season.

The takeaway

The Aces are taking a calculated risk by signing the talented but polarizing Chennedy Carter, hoping her skills can provide a boost while also managing any potential off-the-court issues that may arise. This move highlights the Aces' willingness to take on challenging personalities in pursuit of another WNBA championship.