The Connecticut Sun waived Hailey Van Lith on Thursday to activate French guard Leïla Lacan, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft who led Basket Landes to a championship in France this season [1, 2].
Van Lith, the 24-year-old guard taken 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, played nine games with the Sun this season including three starts before being released [1, 2]. She averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 assists in 12.4 minutes per game during her stint in Connecticut after appearing in 29 games as a rookie with Chicago [2]. Van Lith helped Team USA win a bronze medal in 3x3 basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics [2].
Before joining the Sun, Van Lith was waived by Chicago prior to the 2025 season. She had a notable college career at Louisville, transferred to LSU with less playing time, and finished at TCU where she led the team to their first Elite Eight appearance [1, 2].
Lacan averaged 10.4 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.2 steals on 47.7% shooting while playing 26.6 minutes per game in her rookie season overseas [1].
The Sun currently hold a 1-8 record and the worst net rating in the league at minus-17.6, indicating ongoing struggles this season [1]. An ESPN report noted Van Lith is "grateful to the Sun for their transparency and the opportunity" [1].
Van Lith’s waiver allows the Sun to activate Lacan on their roster as they seek to improve their position in the standings. The team’s next game will provide a new opportunity to integrate Lacan and continue the season.
