Aces add one of 2024’s most efficient guards as Chennedy Carter returns

Chennedy Carter is back in the WNBA.

On Wednesday, the Las Vegas Aces announced they signed the veteran guard to a training camp contract.

Carter last played in the league in 2024 for the Chicago Sky , where she averaged 17.5 points on 48.7% shooting, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals. Since being drafted by the Atlanta Dream as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Carter has played professionally in China, Israel, Mexico, Poland and Turkey and spent time with Chicago and the Los Angeles Sparks .

While playing in the WNBA, the veteran has also experienced on- and off-court issues over the last several years that have complicated her tenure. Still, the Aces' signing of Carter is a notable move given many free agent guards have already signed with teams.

Carter, who was on the 2020 WNBA All-Rookie team, is a prolific 3-level scorer who should add depth and critical production to Las Vegas if she makes the roster. When Carter last played in 2024, she ranked 14th in the league in points per game and second in field goal percentage among guards. She was also the third guard in WNBA history to make at least 50% of her two-pointers while making 10 or more a game.

The Aces will need to figure out how she'll split minutes with returner Dana Evans and newcomer Stephanie Talbot . However, signing Carter feels significantly on-brand for the Aces, who have made a living off adding valuable upside pieces that aren't expensive moves.

For example, last season, Evans was traded to Las Vegas for two 2025 second-round picks and just a reported $89,000 salary . Though she averaged 6.6 points during the regular season, she was critical to the Aces' championship run. Evans had a breakout performance during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, tallying 21 points on 61.5% shooting, three assists and four steals, helping the Aces to secure a come-from-behind victory.

If Carter can recreate her 2024 production, she could become a vital piece for Las Vegas and potentially become one of the best value signings and steals of free agency.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas Aces sign Chennedy Carter, pull off WNBA free agency steal