The New York Liberty have waived forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, the team announced Thursday.
According to a source familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the move, Laney-Hamilton was signed to a one-year, $400,000 protected veteran contract without a buyout.
Because of that, this move doesn’t free up cap space unless she is claimed off waivers. But it gives the Liberty an extra roster spot, which they used to sign Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux to a multiyear deal in a corresponding move Thursday. The New York Post was first to report the Liberty’s plans to sign Fauthoux.
The second-longest-tenured Liberty player behind guard Sabrina Ionescu, 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 in her left knee.
When Laney-Hamilton returned to action for the Liberty this season, her role quickly diminished. She was a healthy scratch for eight consecutive games before she was waived. The Liberty will have to pay the full value of her contract if she is not claimed off waivers.
In a statement, Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb thanked Laney-Hamilton for her contributions to the franchise.
“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 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.
“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.”