Hailey Van Lith claimed by Connecticut Sun off waivers

Hailey Van Lith found her landing spot in 48 hours. The Connecticut Sun claimed the 23-year-old guard off waivers Wednesday, two days after the Chicago Sky surprised the league by cutting her for what the team called "style of play" reasons. Van Lith was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 draft and looked like a long-term piece in Chicago — until she didn't.

The reunion makes sense. Sun president Jen Rizzotti coached Van Lith on Team USA's 3x3 squad that took bronze in Paris in 2024. Connecticut is fully committed to a youth rebuild — the Sun now have four rookies and four second-year players in training camp — and Van Lith fits the timeline. She averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists on 71.4% shooting in two preseason games for Chicago. The Sky watching that performance and still cutting her was already strange. Now another team is going to find out what she actually is.

Chicago didn't sit on the savings. The Sky signed 10-year vet Natasha Cloud to a one-year, K deal — a 3-time All-Defensive guard who fits Tyler Marsh's pace-and-pressure system better than the rookie did. The W's 30th season tips Friday. Connecticut opens at the Liberty without Sabrina Ionescu, and Van Lith might already have a real role.