Why Chennedy Carter's WNBA future looks bleak despite dominant season off the Aces' bench

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The Las Vegas Aces' decision to waive Chennedy Carter on Tuesday could well spell the end of the mercurial guard's WNBA career.

The Aces' choice -- to waive Carter as a corresponding move amid the arrival of Justine Pissott -- brings down the curtain on the former fourth overall pick's short time in Las Vegas. It seemed like Carter had found some stability at last within the Aces' championship culture, but the 27-year-old's time there came to a crashing halt Tuesday.

Carter played just 58 minutes over what turned out to be her final five appearances for the Aces, who are tied for the WNBA's best record at 15-6. It was a stark contrast to the trust that Becky Hammon and her coaching staff had placed in her earlier in the season, when she set the league record for the most points scored from the bench in a player's first five appearances.

MORE: Why Aces are parting ways with Chennedy Carter in surprise roster move

Carter still ranks as one of the WNBA's most efficient players -- which, on its face, would be enough to convince someone to take a flier on her. Carter ranks first in the league in true shooting percentage, second in bench points per game and fourth in total points scored from the bench.

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However, Carter at this point has played for one-third of the league's teams in only four seasons. She has struggled to fit neatly within any locker room, and there is a sense that if even the Aces -- the WNBA's gold standard in 2026 -- can't figure it out, then no one can.

And so, Carter's career has hit a definite crossroads. It's anyone's guess what happens from here, but finding a new home in the WNBA doesn't seem to be a particularly likely scenario.