WNBA Rookie Receives Departing Message After Being Released on Wednesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
WNBA teams across the league have been active as of late, making roster changes after several players returned to their respective organizations.
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The last few days have been extremely active, especially for a 2-15 team that’s looking to make some noise.
On Wednesday, the Connecticut Sun added Leila Lacan to the active roster.
In an ensuing move, the Sun released rookie Kariata Diaby. The former Sun center was playing in her first season in the WNBA, participating in 13 games for Connecticut.
After she was released, the Sun took to social media, sharing a departing message for Diaby. While she was waived from her first WNBA opportunity, Connecticut bid her farewell with a kind note.
“Thank you, Kariata,” posted the official social media account of the Connecticut Sun. “With the waive of Kariata Diaby, The Connecticut Sun activate Leïla Lacan.”
Kariata Diaby has been playing professional basketball since 2014. Before playing with the Connecticut Sun, Diaby spent time with the Charnay Basket Bourgogne Sud, Landerneau Bretagne Basket, ESB Villeneueve-d’Ascq and Tango Bourges Basket.
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The 6-foot-4 center will now look for another opportunity after getting her first look at the WNBA.
During her rookie season in the WNBA, Diaby posted 1.9 points, 1 rebound and 0.4 assists per game.
Connecticut Sun center Kariata Diaby. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Diaby was released from the Connecticut Sun for Leila Lacan after Lacan took part in the 2025 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket tournament for the French National Team. She was on temporary leave from the Sun during the international games.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
