WNBA's Indiana Fever waive guard Destanni Henderson: What to know
The Indiana Fever waived former Fort Myers High and South Carolina Gamecocks star Destanni Henderson on Tuesday, the team confirmed on their website and social media.
thank you, Destanni. pic.twitter.com/ThQR3uTbAe
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 16, 2023
Here are the key things to know:
Henderson was drafted a year ago
Henderson, 24, was selected by the Fever with the eighth pick in the second round, the 20th overall pick. She was the fourth of seven players the team drafted in 2022.
This came on the heels of Henderson's career-best performance in the NCAA Championship game where she scored 26 points to help South Carolina defeat UConn 64-49.
More: Destanni Henderson's career-best performance shows her grit, leads Gamecocks to NCAA title
Destanni Henderson got playing time as a rookie
Henderson played in all 36 games, starting five of them, in her rookie season. The 5-foot-7 guard averaged 5.3 points and 2.5 assists a game.
As a team, the Fever went 5-31 last season.
Destanni Henderson salary
Henderson signed a 3-year, $199,170 contract after being drafted by the Fever. Her contract called for her to make $63,389 in 2022 and she was scheduled to make $64,657 in 2023.
The Fever had five picks in the 2023 WNBA draft
That included two first-rounders, including the No. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston, Henderson's former teammate at South Carolina.
The team has already parted with one of their 2023 picks, LSU forward LaDazhia Williams, who was cut last week. Williams was selected by the Fever with the 17th pick.
The Fever have 14 players on the roster and need to get down to 12 before the season opener Friday against Connecticut. Henderson is the Fever's fourth camp cut, having already parted ways with forwards Emily Engstler, Williams, and guard Renina Davis.
It's been an offseason of high-profile cuts in the WNBA
The 12-team league has limited roster space, with 144 spots across the league. This has led to significant cuts like the 2023 No. 11 pick Abby Meyers (Dallas Wings) and second-round pick and national champion with LSU Alexis Morris (Connecticut Sun).
Another Gamecock, guard Brea Beal, was also waived on Tuesday by the Minnesota Lynx.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley weighed on on Twitter, telling her former players they "both belong."
"Let’s keep getting in the lab and work," she said. "I know your representatives are working to get you on another team’s roster. Heads high champs! Love you!"
@QueenBrea_1 @dh3nny you know you both belong. Let’s keep getting in the lab and work. I know your representatives are working to get you on another team’s roster. Heads high champs! Love you!!!! @GamecockWBB for life!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) May 16, 2023
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: What to know: Indiana Fever waive Fort Myers grad Destanni Henderson