Hailey Van Lith has been handed another chance with the Connecticut Sun, signing a seven-day contract on Wednesday after a season defined by constant movement. It is the latest twist in a WNBA campaign that has already seen her go from the Chicago Sky to Connecticut, then back into the Sun's plans after being waived in May.
The move comes after a year in which Van Lith has had to adapt quickly to different roles and different roster situations. Selected 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, she later joined the Connecticut Sun on a developmental contract, was waived after nine games in May, and then returned to the team on another developmental deal just days later.
What Van Lith has done in Connecticut
For the Sun, the decision is about keeping a guard in the mix who has already shown she can contribute in a limited opportunity. Van Lith has played 16 appearances for Connecticut, making three starts, and has averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 assists and 0.9 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc.
Those numbers suggest a player who has found ways to be useful when given minutes, even if her path has been far from straightforward. The Sun have already been eliminated from playoff contention, so the contract is less about immediate postseason pressure and more about making the most of the remaining weeks on the schedule.
Why the opportunity has opened up
Injuries to Brittney Griner and Aaliyah Edwards have opened up playing time for Van Lith at different stages of the season, and that has helped keep her involved as Connecticut has worked through roster changes. Her latest deal is another sign that the Sun are still willing to use the remaining games to evaluate options and keep players available.
This has not been a steady route, and that is part of the story. Van Lith had already been waived once by Connecticut before coming back, and now she has a seven-day contract that gives her one more short-term window to stay with the team.
With seven games remaining, the focus now turns to whether Van Lith can use this latest chance to keep her place in the Sun's plans as the season winds down.
