Sun Sign Former USC Center to Developmental Contract

The Connecticut Sun has signed former USC center Rayah Marshall to a developmental contract, allowing her to remain with the team following a brief stint on a seven-day hardship contract earlier this month. The decision came after the Sun waived Marshall on Saturday as part of their roster adjustments, which included signing Ashlon Jackson to a rest-of-season contract. However, the team swiftly moved to re-sign Marshall under the developmental agreement, ensuring her continued involvement with the franchise. Marshall initially joined the Sun in August after being traded to the Dallas Wings ahead of the 2026 season. Despite the trade, she did not appear in any regular season games with Dallas, as the Wings waived her before the season began. On August 1, the Sun reached out to Marshall, requesting her return on a seven-day contract. She accepted the offer, expressing enthusiasm about rejoining the team. According to reports from IX Sports, Marshall described her experience with the Sun as positive, highlighting the support she received from both the coaching staff and fellow players. “I’m just happy that she’s back,” said Sun center Olivia Nelson-Ododa, also speaking through IX Sports. “She just brings such a joy for the team. Just great energy. She’s so positive, and she’s great for our locker room. Great to be on the court with. And, I mean, her presence alone is just really great to hear from.” Nelson-Ododa’s comments underscore the impact Marshall has had on the team’s atmosphere, despite her limited playing time during her initial tenure with the Sun. Marshall was selected by the Connecticut Sun with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, coming out of the University of Southern California. During her rookie season with the Sun, she averaged just six minutes per game across 15 contests. Her role was largely situational, and she struggled to secure consistent playing time due to the depth of the team's roster. Nevertheless, her return to the Sun has been met with optimism from teammates and coaches alike, who see value in her contributions beyond the box score. The developmental contract provides Marshall with another opportunity to gain experience and build her skills within the organization. While the exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, the structure typically allows players to continue working with the team while developing their game in a structured environment. This approach aligns with the Sun’s strategy of giving younger players additional chances to prove themselves, especially given the competitive nature of the WNBA. As the season progresses, Marshall will have the chance to showcase her abilities in a more stable setting. With the Sun already having made several roster moves, her continued presence offers stability and continuity to the team. The developmental contract also serves as a bridge for Marshall, helping her transition from a rookie to a more established player within the league. Her ability to adapt and thrive in different situations will be crucial as she works toward securing a more permanent role with the team.