Despite the much-anticipated launch of the Unrivaled Basketball League this year, many WNBA players are still packing their bags and heading overseas during the offseason. Sure, there’s the financial incentive, but for some, it’s about more than money. Chicago Sky star Chennedy Carter has taken her talents to the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA.  But, in a twist that no one saw coming, the hooper hit a blow. 

She has been sidelined with a sternum contusion after experiencing rib pain and breathing difficulties post-game in Wuhan. Carter was tearing it up in China for Wuhan Shengfan, but things took a turn after her latest game against Henan Phoenix (which the team eventually won 78-75). Complaining of rib pain and trouble breathing, she was rushed to the hospital, where a sternum contusion was confirmed. 

She’s now under daily observation, and fans everywhere are crossing their fingers for her speedy recovery. This injury feels eerily reminiscent of the time the 26-year-old was ruled out of an important WNBA game against the Atlanta Dream back in September. 

That foot injury came at the worst possible time, with the Sky clinging to slim playoff hopes. Carter, averaging a stellar 17.2 points per game, was clearly the team’s offensive engine, and losing her was a crushing blow. Fast forward to the offseason, and the guard is doing what she does best: balling out. 

The WCBA has become a hotspot for WNBA stars like Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith, and Carter is no exception. Her performance last season for Heilongjiang saw her average 28.9 points per game. For her, playing overseas isn’t just about padding stats, it’s a confidence booster. 

Her success in China translated directly to her breakout 2024 WNBA season with the Sky. In 33 games, she put up 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Those numbers were proof that her time abroad only sharpened her skills as she had the best seasons of her career so far. But will she return to the Windy as she is a free agent? 

Sky on the edge? Will Chennedy Carter stay or soar away?

The next season, Carter’s future with the Sky is up in the air. She is a restricted free agent, and while Chicago could match any offer, the star guard has been dropping hints on social media about wanting a fresh start. If Carter does leave, it’s safe to say the Sky will be in trouble. 

Why? She led the team in scoring and winning shares per 40 minutes last season, outshining even rookie sensation Angel Reese, who averaged 13.6 points but struggled with efficiency. Though incredibly promising, Reese isn’t ready to shoulder the team’s offensive load. Add to that the fact that Elizabeth Williams is the only other Sky player who averaged more than 10 points per game in 2024. 

Losing Carter would leave a gaping hole in the lineup, and with the Golden State Valkyries set to enter the league, the competition is fiery. Chicago has the cap space, but convincing a high-scoring guard to join a team on the verge of a rebuild? That’s going to be a tough sell. 

So, what does the future hold for Chennedy Carter? Will she return to the Sky, or will another team snag her talents? Right now, all eyes are on her recovery. Hopefully, the sternum injury isn’t serious. Wherever Carter ends up, she’s going to keep getting buckets. As for the Sky? Well, they’d better think twice before letting their star scorer slip away.