Hailey Van Lith leaves Chicago Sky due to playing style preference

Chicago Sky dismissed guard Hailey Van Lith. The team announced the measure this Monday, days before the start of the WNBA regular season. Van Lith was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft.

The decision was made due to the technical committee’s playing style preference. Sky also signed veteran Natasha Cloud on the same day. The franchise is looking to adjust the squad for the campaign that starts on Saturday, against Portland Fire.

Sky cuts first round of 2025 to adjust backcourt

thank you, Hailey🩵

wishing you nothing but the best ahead pic.twitter.com/YIviqhlvWi

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 4, 2026

Van Lith’s cut is part of final roster adjustments. The team needs to reach 12 players for the season. Van Lith played limited minutes in the 2025 campaign. Ela averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 12 and a half minutes per game.

The guard showed improvement in the preseason. Relatos indicate that she performed well in warm-up games. Mesmo therefore, coach Tyler Marsh chose to go with a group of more experienced guards. Sky had already traded Angel Reese and signed names like Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon.

• Van Lith drafted with the 11th pick in 2025
• Médias in debut season: 3.5 points and 1.6 assists
• Tempo average on court: 12 minutes and 27 seconds per game
• Equipe signed Natasha Cloud in the same window
• Sky will open the season at Portland on Saturday

Preferência’s style defines the departure of the young guard

Fontes close to the franchise point out that Van Lith’s style did not fit into Marsh’s current system. The coach is in his second season in charge. Ele is looking to recover the team after finishing second to last last season.

Van Lith arrived at Sky with pedigree from Louisville, LSU and TCU. His rookie season was hampered by an ankle injury. Ela missed the last games of 2025. The cut comes as the team invests in veteran guards to lead the action.

Leia Também

Singer Zau O Pássaro is hospitalized in Feira de Santana after an accident on BR-116

Scientists identify tiny spider that captures prey six times its size

Apple freezes price of iPhone 18 Pro at US$1,099 as rivals become more expensive

The exemption opens up space for the development of other pieces. Sky only holds two of his five first-round picks from the last three years. Gabriela Jacquez, drafted in 2026, remains on the roster. Ajša Sivka, chosen just before Van Lith in 2025, has not yet joined the group.

Contratação from Cloud marks a new phase in the cast

The arrival of Natasha Cloud strengthens the backcourt. The veteran brings ten years of experience in the league. The movement appears directly linked to the departure of Van Lith. Sky tries to put together a more consolidated rotation for 2026.

Tyler Marsh now has Diggins, Sheldon and Cloud as main options. The mix of veterans with young players like Jacquez should shape the team. The coach expects better results than last season.

Chicago Sky debuts away from home. The duel against Portland Fire marks the beginning of the regular campaign. The franchise will have 48 hours for Van Lith to go through the waiver period before being free to negotiate with other teams. Relatos indicates that she already talks to multiple interests.

Próximos steps to Van Lith and Sky

The 24-year-old guard has a strong track record in college basketball. Muitos observers expect her to quickly find opportunity at another franchise. The WNBA is experiencing a period of expansion, which increases its chances in the market.

Sky continues to have development positions available. Van Lith could return to Chicago via this path if not claimed. For now, the team’s focus is on assembling the definitive group for the opening of the season.