The New York Liberty have waived forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, the team announced Thursday.
According to a source familiar with the deal who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the move at this time, Laney-Hamilton — the second-longest-tenured Liberty player behind guard Sabrina Ionescu — was signed to a one-year, $400,000 protected veteran contract without a buyout.
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Though the move doesn’t free up cap space, it gives the Liberty an extra roster spot, which they are expected to use to sign Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux to a multiyear deal, the source confirmed.
Laney-Hamilton signed with the Liberty as a free agent in 2021 after being named the WNBA’s 2020 Most Improved Player. The forward was key to the franchise’s establishment as a contender, playing a pivotal role in the Liberty’s 2024 championship run. She missed all of last season while recovering from surgery to repair a meniscus injury in her left knee.
When Laney-Hamilton returned to action for the Liberty this season, her role quickly diminished, culminating in eight consecutive DNPs before being waived. The Liberty will have to pay the full value of the deal if she is not claimed off waivers.
The New York Post was first to report the Liberty’s plans to sign Fauthoux.
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Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb thanked Laney-Hamilton for all of her contributions to the franchise in a statement.
“We’re incredibly grateful for her professionalism, leadership, and the commitment she brought to the New York Liberty every day,” the statement reads.
Laney-Hamilton’s name was floated in trade talks at the start of the season, but Kolb’s asking price was ultimately too high. Her reduced role decreased her trade value, and she wasn’t moved at the deadline. A team must have the full $400,000 in cap space to claim her off waivers. If Laney-Hamilton clears waivers, she essentially becomes a free agent and can negotiate the contract terms.
Fauthoux played her 11th game for the Liberty in Wednesday night’s win over the Seattle Storm. Developmental players are eligible to play in only 12 regular-season games and cannot appear in the postseason.
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“She’s been important to this team,” Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said of Fauthoux. “She gives us a different look. We really like her and we’re playing well right now, so we’re going to keep going to her.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
New York Liberty, WNBA
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