The Connecticut Sun recently announced key personnel changes to their roster, activating Leila Lacan and releasing Hailey Van Lith. These moves highlight the team's ongoing strategy as they navigate the WNBA season. Lacan's return follows a successful overseas stint, where she played a pivotal role in her French club's championship victory. Meanwhile, Van Lith's departure marks a swift turnaround for the guard who had only recently joined the team.
This roster adjustment is a strategic decision for the Sun, aiming to optimize their lineup. Lacan's proven track record, including her significant contributions in her debut WNBA season and her recent overseas accolades, suggests she will be a valuable asset. The team hopes her activation will bolster their performance, especially considering her all-around game and leadership qualities demonstrated during her time in France.
Lacan's Triumphant Return and Impact
Leila Lacan's activation by the Connecticut Sun marks her return to the team after an impressive period abroad. The talented guard, who is set to celebrate her 22nd birthday soon, was previously under a contract suspension due to her commitments with a French basketball club. During her time in France, Lacan distinguished herself by leading Basket Landes to a league championship, where her exceptional performance earned her the coveted Finals MVP title. Her return is anticipated to significantly strengthen the Sun's lineup, as she brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality back to the team. Her prior season with the Sun, where she was a first-round pick in 2024, saw her contribute significantly with strong averages across points, assists, rebounds, and steals, showcasing her versatile skill set and potential for immediate impact.
Lacan's journey back to the Connecticut Sun is a testament to her dedication and burgeoning talent. As the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, she quickly established herself as a formidable presence in the WNBA. In her initial season, she averaged 10.4 points, 3.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals over 25 games, 15 of which she started. These statistics underscore her all-around capability and her capacity to influence games on both ends of the court. Her recent success as Finals MVP in the French league further solidifies her reputation as a clutch performer, ready to contribute at a high level. The Sun's decision to activate her reflects their confidence in her ability to seamlessly re-integrate and enhance the team's competitive edge, providing a boost in both offensive and defensive schemes as they continue their season.
Van Lith's Departure and Career Trajectory
The Connecticut Sun's decision to waive Hailey Van Lith signifies a notable shift in their backcourt composition. Van Lith, 24, had a relatively brief tenure with the Sun, joining the team in early May after being released by the Chicago Sky. In her nine appearances with Connecticut, she averaged 8.1 points and 2.2 assists per game, demonstrating her offensive capabilities, particularly with a strong 47.1% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Despite these flashes of talent, the team opted for a change, leading to her departure. Her career has seen her move between teams, starting as a first-round pick in 2025 by Chicago, where she played a reserve role before her recent moves, highlighting the dynamic and competitive nature of professional basketball rosters.
Van Lith's journey in the WNBA has been marked by transitions, reflecting the demanding environment of professional sports. Drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in 2025, she spent her rookie season primarily coming off the bench, averaging 3.5 points over 12.4 minutes across 29 games. After being waived by the Sky on May 4th, her swift signing with the Connecticut Sun just two days later indicated her immediate value and the Sun's initial interest in her skills. During her short time in Connecticut, she showcased her scoring ability and improved three-point shooting. However, professional sports often require difficult decisions, and the Sun's move to waive her suggests a strategic realignment for the team, prioritizing other roster needs. This decision now leaves Van Lith open to exploring new opportunities in her promising WNBA career.
