Could Kamilla Cardoso leave the Sky for the Golden State Valkyries? Closer look at the expansion draft possibilities.

The Chicago Sky will unquestionably “protect” Kamilla Cardoso in the upcoming expansion draft. [photo: Imagn]

Kamilla Cardoso, in her first season in the WNBA, has a key role in the Chicago Sky’s playoff aspirations. After dealing with a shoulder injury to start her career in the pros, the Brazilian has steadily found her footing. Cardoso averages 9.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in 22 games.

The Sky started their rebuild by making the former South Carolina star the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. Chicago later grabbed Angel Reese at No. 7 to form their frontline of the future. The two former SEC rivals, however, are already crucial contributors to the team’s present.

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The Chicago Sky aren’t likely to give up Kamilla Cardoso in this year’s WNBA expansion draft. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced in October 2023 that the Golden State Valkyries will be the 13th team in 2025. To form the Joe Lacob-owned franchise, the Valkyries will have to take a handful of players from the other existing 12 teams.

The Valkyries will form their team without the two-time NCAA champ on their roster.

The Sky will protect Kamilla Cardoso in the expansion draft

The last time the WNBA had an expansion draft was in 2008 when the Atlanta Dream joined the league. Six players each from the existing teams were protected from the expansion draft. The same process will likely be used in 2024, making Kamilla Cardoso a cinch to remain on Chicago’s roster.

Keeping Cardoso in the lineup is a no-brainer for the Sky for several reasons. The 6-foot-7 Brazilian is a proven winner who is barely scratching her potential. She is already a solid defender who knows how to take advantage of her size and length in the post. A season or two against the best women’s basketball players will only make her better.

Chicago’s frontline could need a makeover next season. Elizabeth Williams and Brianna Turner, players with experience handling the center position, will become unrestricted free agents after this season. The veterans’ potential departure will not be as impactful as long as Kamilla Cardoso is around.

Chicago is excited to maximize the Cardoso-Reese tandem

While Angel Reese has flourished, making the All-Star team as a rookie, Kamilla Cardoso has struggled a bit. The Chicago Sky, however, can’t give up on the potential of what the two might accomplish. Cardoso and Reese might end up being the best frontline in the WNBA in a few years.

Cardoso isn’t going anywhere when the Golden State Valkyries begin their search for players to add to their roster. She will be with the Sky as one of the team’s franchise cornerstones.