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Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Voices Frustration Over Reduced Role as Trade Deadline Nears

Her availability and talks with coach and general manager raise the prospect of a roster move before the Aug. 2 WNBA trade deadline.

Overview

  • Laney-Hamilton said she is frustrated by an inconsistent role and wants to play after returning from a season-long knee rehab.
  • She missed the 2025 season for knee surgery but says she now feels physically better than she has in a long time.
  • This season she has moved from starter to bench, missed games for personal reasons, sat out two games after a knee injection, and has recorded multiple recent DNPs despite being available.
  • Coach Chris DeMarco said he tightened the rotation and affirmed he values her, and Laney-Hamilton has held several conversations with DeMarco and GM Jonathan Kolb about her situation.
  • Fans have chanted “We want Laney” at Barclays Center, and her long tenure and All-Star history mean the club’s handling of her role could affect team chemistry and possible trade-market activity ahead of Aug. 2.