In a move that has rocked Skytown, the Chicago Sky have waived forward DiJonai Carrington, sources confirmed Saturday, citing repeated distractions and drama that the organization determined were undermining team focus during a critical stretch of the season.
Carrington, the 2024 Most Improved Player and All-Defensive First Team selection, signed a one-year deal with the Sky in April after stops with the Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, and Minnesota Lynx. She missed the first 27 games recovering from a foot injury sustained in the 2025 playoffs before returning in late July. On the floor, she showed flashes of her trademark intensity and defensive versatility. Off it, controversy followed closely.
The tipping point came after a series of high-profile incidents. On August 8, Carrington was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul on Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham after catching her across the head and neck on a transition play. Minutes later she posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on social media while tagging the Fever, igniting a firestorm. She later clarified that her comments addressed broader issues of consistency in officiating rather than the specific call, but the post dominated headlines and social media for days.
Just days later, during a road game against the Golden State Valkyries, Carrington approached officials about a courtside fan. Security escorted the fan from his seat before allowing him to return after determining the complaint was unfounded. Combined with the earlier ejection and social media fallout, the episodes created what team sources described as an untenable distraction for a Sky squad still fighting for playoff positioning.
“We value competitiveness and passion, but the cumulative noise became too much,” one front-office source said. “The focus needs to stay on basketball.”
Carrington’s release ends a brief and turbulent chapter in Chicago. The athletic 5-foot-11 wing averaged double figures in limited action upon her return and brought energy to the second unit. Yet the Sky, already navigating a challenging season, prioritized chemistry and reducing external noise.
The waiver opens a roster spot as the team evaluates remaining options down the stretch. Carrington, a free agent once again, is expected to draw interest around the league given her defensive pedigree and proven scoring ability when healthy.
For a Sky franchise that has endured ups and downs, the decision signals a clear message: talent alone is no longer enough when drama begins to overshadow the game.
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