As we enter the WNBA All-Star season, analyst Annie Costabile joined Sabreena Merchant on the latest episode of the No Offseason podcast to discuss the players who have been earning more than they have achieved this season.

While names like Dallas Wings' Alanna Smith and Chicago Sky's Skylar Diggins were mentioned, Costabile added a rather niche one into the segment, being DiJonai Carrington.

Costabile added DiJonai's name as a bonus because while she believes her contract is not overvalued ($650,000, fully protected), it definitely takes a hit with her not being available for the whole season as she is recovering from left foot surgery.

"If DiJonai's available, this is not an overvalued contract, but she has not been available for the entire season. What I was told at the start of the season from multiple sources was that the Sky were aware of DiJonai's availability... they knew what they were getting." Costabile said.

Costabile also added that Carrington was expected to return to the hardwood "sometime in June". But there are still no signs a month later as well.

The good news is that Carrington is performing well in practice sessions, has spent weeks getting shots up, working with trainers, and rebuilding her conditioning. She now takes part in most live drills and stays afterward to play full-court games with practice players.

Speaking to the media Tuesday for the first time since training camp, Carrington called the foot injury she suffered in last season’s playoffs “traumatic” and the 10-month recovery process “long, tedious and non-linear.”

“When you see a lot of feet on the court, and you have a foot injury, it’s a mental hurdle,” Carrington said.

Apart from Carrington, Diggins has also been on the sidelines, who is not having the best of times with the Sky

Skylar Diggins' Issues Within the Sky

Chicago's star player has been on the bench for 5 games now, as the 9-16 Sky's uneventful season continues.

With that said, there is still no expected timeline for her return, and she will probably sit out the next game against the Atlanta Dream as their challenging campaign continues.

However, there have been murmurs that Diggins might be traded before the August deadline. But a report from the Chicago Tribune's Julia Poe suggests that the Sky is currently not in the mood to shop her around.

“Diggins’ absence from the court and the Sky’s ongoing lack of success seemed to set the table for an early fissure midway through the first season of her two-way deal,” wrote Poe.

This comes after Diggins went public with her displeasure about her role and the team’s direction. She signed a two-year contract with the Sky in the offseason.

“But despite this recent discomfort between the two sides, league sources say the front office is not currently making an effort to shop Diggins for a deadline trade.”

Diggins has a lot of issues going on currently, from her move to the bench following Courtney Vandersloot's return from an ACL injury, inadequate resources, and the decision-making of coach Tyler Marsh.

Still, Diggins is averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in over 29 minutes despite the commotion.

So, do you think Skylar Diggins will be the next star after Angel Reese to leave Chicago? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy