The Las Vegas Aces have made one of the biggest roster decisions of the 2026 WNBA season by waiving guard Chennedy Carter. The move came as the defending contenders reshaped their roster, replacing Carter with rookie Justine Pissott ahead of the league’s guaranteed contract deadline. The decision has sparked widespread discussion among WNBA fans, with many asking why one of the league’s most talented scorers is once again searching for a new team.
Although Carter showed flashes of her elite scoring ability during her brief stint in Las Vegas, the Aces ultimately chose roster flexibility over keeping the former No. 4 overall draft pick. Here’s everything you need to know about Carter’s release, why it happened, and what could come next.
Chennedy Carter Waived by Las Vegas Aces
On July 7, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces officially announced that they had waived Chennedy Carter while signing rookie wing Justine Pissott to a standard contract. The transaction was part of a roster adjustment before player contracts became fully guaranteed for the remainder of the season.
The move surprised many observers because Carter had contributed valuable scoring off the bench.
During the 2026 season, Carter averaged:
- 12.2 points per game
- 1.8 rebounds
- Efficient scoring in limited minutes
- Instant offense as a reserve guard
Despite those numbers, the Aces decided another roster configuration better suited their long-term plans.
Why Was Chennedy Carter Waived?
Many fans immediately wondered:
Why was Chennedy Carter waived?
The answer appears to be a combination of roster management rather than a single performance issue.
Several factors influenced the decision:
1. Salary and roster flexibility
The Aces needed an available roster spot after deciding to sign rookie Justine Pissott, whose size and outside shooting provide additional frontcourt versatility.
2. Team fit
While Carter remained one of the league’s most gifted one-on-one scorers, Las Vegas already possesses multiple high-usage offensive players. The coaching staff appears to have prioritized lineup balance over another scoring guard.
3. Injury interruptions
Carter also missed recent games due to a leg injury followed by illness, limiting her opportunity to secure a permanent role in the rotation.
Importantly, neither the team nor league announced disciplinary reasons connected to this transaction.
Chennedy Carter’s Time With the Aces
Carter signed with Las Vegas before the 2026 season hoping to revive her WNBA career after productive basketball overseas and an impressive 2024 campaign with the Chicago Sky.
She immediately demonstrated:
- Explosive scoring ability
- Strong transition offense
- Aggressive drives to the basket
- Veteran experience
However, consistency in playing time proved difficult on one of the deepest rosters in the WNBA.
The Aces instead opted to continue developing younger talent while maintaining roster flexibility.
Chennedy Carter’s WNBA Career
Carter entered the WNBA as one of college basketball’s brightest stars.
Career highlights include:
- Selected No. 4 overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft
- WNBA All-Rookie Team
- Former standout at Texas A&M
- Played for:
- Atlanta Dream
- Los Angeles Sparks
- Chicago Sky
- Las Vegas Aces
Throughout her career, Carter has consistently demonstrated elite scoring talent, though roster changes and team transitions have prevented long-term stability.
Why Fans Are Talking About the Move
The reaction across the WNBA community has been significant because Carter remains one of the league’s most talented offensive guards.
Supporters point to:
- Her ability to score in isolation
- Proven double-digit scoring averages
- Strong athleticism
- Relatively young age
Critics, meanwhile, note that this marks another stop in a career that has included multiple team changes, raising questions about long-term roster fit despite her undeniable talent.
What’s Next for Chennedy Carter?
Being waived does not necessarily end Carter’s WNBA career.
Potential next steps include:
- Signing with another WNBA team needing backcourt scoring
- Returning overseas, where she has excelled in recent seasons
- Waiting for injuries around the league to create roster openings
Given her scoring ability, many analysts believe another opportunity could arrive quickly if a team seeks offensive production.
Final Thoughts
The Las Vegas Aces‘ decision to waive Chennedy Carter is one of the most discussed roster moves of the 2026 WNBA season. Although Carter averaged over 12 points per game and provided valuable offense off the bench, Las Vegas chose to prioritize roster balance and signed rookie Justine Pissott instead.
For Carter, the move represents another challenge in an already eventful professional career. However, her proven scoring ability and experience suggest she remains capable of contributing at the WNBA level if another franchise decides to give her the opportunity.
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