The Las Vegas Aces have signed veteran point guard Chennedy Carter to a training camp contract as they look to bolster their roster depth following their third WNBA championship in four years.
Why it matters: The Aces are defending champions and need to fill the gaps left by departing bench players. Carter's explosive talent could add depth but comes with risks due to her past disciplinary issues.
The Aces won their third WNBA championship in four years by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 Finals.
Head Coach Becky Hammon is looking to integrate Carter into a roster that includes stars A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd.
The team faced a depleted bench due to salary cap constraints from lucrative contracts for their core players.
Driving the news: On April 15, 2026, the Aces announced the signing of Carter, who previously played in Mexico's women’s basketball league during the 2025 season.
Carter averaged 17.5 points per game on 48.7% shooting during her last WNBA season with the Chicago Sky in 2024.
The training camp contract is non-guaranteed, allowing the Aces to waive Carter if she does not meet team standards.
This signing reflects the Aces' strategy to find cost-effective reserve options after committing substantial salary cap space to their main rotation.
State of play: Carter's return to the WNBA is met with optimism tempered by caution due to her turbulent history in the league.
Drafted fourth by the Atlanta Dream in 2020, Carter faced suspension in 2021 after a locker room altercation with teammate Courtney Williams.
She was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022 but was benched for conduct issues, raising concerns about her reliability.
Her integration into the Aces will be closely monitored, especially under the leadership of Hammon and Wilson, who are known for fostering team cohesion.
The big picture: The Aces are in a strong position as they prepare for the upcoming season, but they must navigate the potential pitfalls of Carter's past.
With a solid core returning, the Aces aim to maintain their championship momentum and deepen their bench strength.
Carter's athleticism and scoring ability could provide a much-needed spark off the bench, especially if she can adapt to the team's culture.
The risk associated with her signing reflects the Aces' willingness to take calculated chances to remain competitive in the league.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans are divided on the implications of Carter's signing.
Some view her as a potentially explosive addition that could pay off if she stays focused and disciplined.
Others express concerns about the risk of locker room disruption, citing Carter's previous issues with team dynamics.
"If there's any pair of leaders who bring out a player's best and quell any personal drama, it's A'ja Wilson and Becky Hammon," noted a sports analyst.
By the numbers: Carter's statistics highlight her scoring prowess but also underline her inconsistent WNBA career.
In 2024, Carter averaged 17.5 points per game and shot 48.7% from the field, demonstrating her offensive capabilities.
In 2021, her suspension marked a low point in her career, leading to questions about her professionalism.
The Aces' decision to sign her reflects a commitment to enhancing their roster depth without overspending.
What's next: The Aces will evaluate Carter's performance during training camp to determine her fit within the team.
Training camp will be a key period for Carter to showcase her skills and discipline to secure a permanent spot on the roster.
The Aces' preseason begins shortly, with fans eager to see how the team integrates its new signing.
Carter's success could hinge on her ability to align with the established culture led by Hammon and Wilson.