Hailey Van Lith Waived by Sky, Top Landing Spots for 2025 WNBA 1st-Round Draft Pick

The Chicago Sky announced Monday they waived guard Hailey Van Lith as they trim down their roster ahead of the 2026 WNBA season.

ESPN's Kendra Andrews reported the move resulted from a "style of play preference." She added that Van Lith's representatives are having "active" conversations with multiple teams.

Also of note, the Sky signed guard Natasha Cloud, with ESPN's Alexa Philippou reporting the deal is worth $555,000 for one year.

Van Lith averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 assists in 29 appearances as a rookie with the Sky. She struggled offensively, shooting 33.9 percent overall and 16.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Based on her age (24) and college profile, the southpaw is likely to get a second chance. The fact she was cut after just one year illustrates, however, that life as a fringe rotation player in the W can be precarious.

One of these franchises makes sense as a landing spot for Van Lith.

Phoenix Mercury

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Absent taking an unforeseen jump in her game — one the Sky didn't project — Van Lith isn't an ideal fit on a playoff contender because she'd likely get squeezed out of the postseason rotation if she makes it that far.

The second-year guard could be akin to an innings eater in baseball, someone who soaks up minutes during the regular season to ease the burden on more established stars.

Monique Akoa Makani figures to open as the Phoenix Mercury's starting point guard after appearing in 41 games for the team last year. They could take a flier on Van Lith if they aren't totally sold on Kiana Williams or Quionche Carter as options off the bench.

The fact Van Lith is most comfortable working off the ball would suit her well on a veteran-laden roster.

Claiming her off waivers would also give Phoenix some cost control beyond 2026, which it doesn't have much with the current squad.

Portland Fire

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The Golden State Valkyries are the exception when it comes to WNBA expansion franchises. The first few years are typically pretty rough for new teams coming into the league.

That's likely to prove true for the Portland Fire, whose best player is Bridget Carleton.

The organization is throwing a lot at the wall and seeing what sticks, whether it's younger unproven players or coach Alex Sarama's CLA (constraints-led approach) vision.

Sarama's offense in particular relies on players using their instincts rather than running specific plays that have been drilled over and over again. That would play to Van Lith's strengths.

Seattle Storm

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Like their neighbors to the south, the Seattle Storm have few designs on contending for the playoffs in 2026. Second-year center Dominique Malonga and rookie big Awa Fam are the present and future for the organization.

Between Malonga, Fam and Ezi Magbegor, Seattle's frontcourt is set.

The backcourt is a different story. Jade Melbourne is arguably the only natural point guard on the roster.

The Storm waived first-round pick Taina Mair on Sunday, and they boast multiple combo guards already with Natisha Hiedeman and Lexie Brown. Still, there wouldn't be a lot of risk in giving Van Lith a shot and seeing if she develops under first-year coach Sonia Raman.