The New York Liberty general manager could free up roster space by cutting an Injured Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
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May 5, 2025 1:38 PM EDT
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been one of the more consistent players for the New York Liberty throughout the years. However, an injury may sideline her not just from the court but the roster altogether.
Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb says “it is fair to assume” that the team will suspend her contract for the 2025 season.
“In terms of the season, I think it’s fair to assume we will be suspending that contract,” Kolb said via New York Post. “We want to get to camp and to really understand what we have and make sure things are playing out the way we envisioned. We’re navigating a lot this year.
“In addition to the things that we spoke on earlier with expansion and things like that, we’ve got EuroBasket. And we need to be really mindful and practical about not putting too much wear and tear on our existing players. That’s really important and we need to be fully formed come September. That’s where we need to be and we need to be hitting our stride.”
Laney-Hamilton, who is fresh off a stint with Unrivaled, had surgery on her knee after suffering a meniscus tear while playing in the 3-on-3 league. According to Madeline Kenney of the New York Post, she has started her rehab program. She will return to basketball activities in August or September.
If Liberty cut her, $185,400 would be save in addition to freeing up a roster spot. If her contract is indeed suspended, it would be a significant blow for a Liberty team looking to defend its championship.
She has been a major contributor for the Liberty throughout the past few seasons. She averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists last year.
Laney-Hamilton has also dealt with ongoing knee injuries throughout her career. She underwent a minor procedure last season that forced her to miss 12 games, and she had missed time in 2022 due to a right knee injury.
Missing the season may be the best for Laney-Hamilton in the future.
“We were fully confident that she’s going to make a full return,” Kolb said. “And she’s going to have a great opportunity to be the healthiest that she’s been in some years.”
The Liberty would open the season up against the The Las Vegas Aces on May 17.
About the author
Elijah Hamilton is a New York-based sports writer. He joined Athlon Sports as a contributor, covering college football and basketball in the SEC.
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