Chicago Sky release Hailey Van Lith

[peacock]

That’s a bummer….First Marta, now HVL

Makes zero sense

 

[Shorty]

 

[Rex Kramer]

I hope that’s the case, but if it is, why waive her and get nothing back?

 

[HickoryFlameFrog]

These teams don’t wanna play basketball for the game. They wanna play basketball for entertainment and real players like HVL and Marta Suarez don’t fit in with their scheme.

 

[MadFrog]

I hope HVL lands somewhere soon. She is a winner. The Suarez deal is really a mystery. Nobody wants a 6'3' player that can play guard, post up and shoot the 3 ???

 

[AroundWorldFrog]

WNBA is scheissed up.

 

[JogginFrog]

I hope HVL lands somewhere soon. She is a winner. The Suarez deal is really a mystery. Nobody wants a 6'3' player that can play guard, post up and shoot the 3 ???

From what I've read, Golden State traded its first-round pick to avoid the contract obligation that goes along with it. Joe Lacob has promised a title within 5 years, and the Valkyries appear committed to building through free agency. Most of the roster they took in the expansion draft were already on short-term contracts, so they need margin just to retain the current roster.

So, they traded their first-round pick for a pick without a contract obligation, knowing they could waive the player and use the savings to keep a veteran. GS has nobody taller than 6-4, so Suarez was a good pick, but it looks like they didn't really expect to keep her.

HVL may have gotten cut for the same reason--the Sky were obligated to sign first-round pick Jaquez, so somebody off the bench had to go, whether they were better or not.

 

[Frog45]

That's what this league does. Very little time for patience with a rookie, and if you get injured....you gone.

 

[Shorty]

Wild league

 

[BleedNPurple]

What happened to the Caitlin Clark $$$ explosion that suddenly raised the value of the league and all of the teams? It is interesting that Caitlin is no longer considered the best player in the league.

Caitlin is now #10 according to Grok

A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) is widely considered the best player in the WNBA right now.0


She tops most expert rankings heading into the 2026 season, backed by her dominance, multiple MVPs, championships, and all-around impact.


ESPN’s Top 10 Players Heading into 2026 (Most Authoritative Recent Ranking)


This panel ranking (released late April 2026) reflects current consensus:040

1. A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces, C) — Four-time MVP, 2025 MVP + Finals MVP, dominant scorer/rebounder/defender (e.g., ~23+ PPG, 10+ RPG, elite efficiency and blocks).
2. Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury, F) — Elite playmaker with triple-doubles; led league in assists.
3. Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx, F) — Two-way star, scoring/rebounding/defense standout.
4. Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty, F) — Two-time MVP, versatile two-way forward.
5. Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces, G) — Consistent scorer and playoff performer.
6. Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty, G) — Elite passer and shooter.
7. Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream, G) — Career-high production, strong all-around game.
8. Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings, G) — Standout rookie/young star.
9. Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks, G) — High-scoring guard.
10. Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever, G) — Record-setting passer/shooter; injuries limited 2025 play, but still All-Star level with massive impact.40

Other notables just outside: Kelsey Mitchell (No. 11, Indiana), Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, etc.


Context and Other Views

• Wilson’s case: Unprecedented fourth MVP in 2025, defensive excellence, and leadership of championship teams. She’s often called the most complete/dominant player.8
• Fantasy/Other Rankings: Wilson and Clark frequently top fantasy lists; Clark’s playmaking and popularity boost her in some metrics.11
• MVP Outlook for 2026: Early favorites include Wilson, Clark, and Collier (betting odds shift with performance/injuries).32
• All-Time Greats: Legends like Diana Taurasi top historical lists, but among active players, Wilson leads the current era.25

“Best” is somewhat subjective—debates often center on scoring (Wilson/others), playmaking (Clark/Thomas), two-way impact, or team success. Wilson has the strongest current consensus as the league’s top player. The 2026 season (starting soon) will update these views with new performances.

 

[HToady]

WNBA is scheissed up.

Just look at the Wings. They pick their first round pick because she was college ”friends” with last years pick Page Beckers. More about emotions than business….

 

[EVOfrogMR]

They don't teach Econ anymore and definitely not to the player's union. The cost of labor in the WNBA just sky rocketed. It is inevitable that the demand will fall.

 

[HornyWartyToad]

There’s a really good joke within that headline but I ain’t sayin.

 

[Shorty]