Chicago Sky Waive Rookie Hailey Van Lith After One Season

The Chicago Sky waived Hailey Van Lith on Tuesday, putting the former college basketball star back on the free-agent market just one year after selecting her 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

The decision surprised many observers. Chicago filled the roster spot by signing veteran guard Natasha Cloud to a $555,000 contract, a choice that points to doubts about Van Lith's development.

Van Lith averaged fewer than four points per game as a rookie. Off-court attention centered more on her relationship with Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs than her play. Suggs and the Magic lost Sunday in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The waiver fits a pattern of changes for the Sky. The team traded forward Angel Reese to Atlanta in recent weeks as it broke up a roster that struggled for identity last season.

By cutting Van Lith, Chicago has cleared out its recent high draft picks. At 24, Van Lith has time to rebound, much like her college days at LSU, where she regressed after high expectations at Louisville.