The Chicago Sky are making bold moves this offseason, and unfortunately for Maddy Westbeld, that means her time in the Windy City has come to an end. Despite being a promising rookie and a 2025 second-round draft pick (No. 16 overall), Westbeld was waived by the Sky on Monday, according to the WNBA's official transactions log.

Westbeld, a 6-foot-3 forward out of Notre Dame, showed real potential during her debut season. She averaged 4.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 39.5% from beyond the arc and a stellar 87.5% from the free-throw line. Those numbers suggest she could be a valuable asset for any team looking to add depth and shooting touch to their roster.

If Westbeld clears waivers without being claimed, she'll become a free agent, free to sign with any team in the league. Given her size and skill set, she's likely to attract interest from teams in need of a stretch forward.

So why did the Sky part ways with a player who showed such promise? The answer lies in the team's aggressive roster overhaul. Chicago is undergoing a major transformation, bringing in a wave of new talent including Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, DiJonai Carrington, Azura Stevens, and Natasha Cloud. Meanwhile, familiar faces like Angel Reese, Ariel Atkins, and Kia Nurse have moved on.

For players drafted outside the first round, sticking in the WNBA is always a challenge given the league's limited roster spots. The Sky's decision to prioritize fresh faces over Westbeld is a tough but common reality in professional basketball. Still, with her shooting ability and versatility, Westbeld has the tools to earn another opportunity elsewhere. It just won't be in Chicago—at least not right now.