Las Vegas Aces Cut Chennedy Carter After Troubled Stint

Chennedy Carter’s brief run with the Las Vegas Aces ended abruptly when the franchise waived her on Wednesday after just 13 games. The decision came despite an early-season surge that had Carter flirting with Sixth Player of the Year honors.

Head coach Becky Hammon declined to discuss the move, offering only a terse statement about moving on from players no longer on the roster. Hammon later clarified that no injury issues were involved, calling the waiver an “executive decision” based on what she liked and what was working.

Carter’s Mixed Performance

During her Aces tenure, Carter averaged 19.1 points per game while shooting at a 64.6% clip. After a hot start, her production dropped to just 4.2 points per game over the six contests that followed.

She took to social media to defend her defensive effort, a response highlighted by Callie Fin of USA Today. The waiver also came shortly before the deadline that would have forced the Aces to honor Carter’s non‑guaranteed contract in full.

Previous Team Swings

Cardiff’s instability isn’t new. Her exits from the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks left her playing overseas in both 2023 and 2025. In the 2024 season, she earned Most Improved Player consideration after averaging 17.5 points per game, though that year also brought unwanted Caitlin Clark‑related controversy.

The Sky chose not to extend a qualifying offer, sending Carter to the Aces for the 2026 campaign. The pattern of short tenures continues as she heads to a new chapter.

Aces Remain in Contention

Despite Carter’s departure, Las Vegas stays hot, holding a 15‑6 record and the WNBA’s second‑best mark. The roster’s depth allowed the team to absorb the change without major fallout.

The quick decision reflects the Aces’ focus on roster optimization, even as they navigate a competitive landscape. As the season progresses, Vegas will aim to maintain its top‑two standing without the now‑former star.