The Immediate Reason: Waived by the Connecticut Sun
Diamond DeShields is trending in May 2025 primarily because she was recently waived by the Connecticut Sun, just days before the start of the new WNBA season. The move was surprising to fans and analysts alike. The 6’1” guard-forward had signed a one-year contract with the Sun in February 2025, which many thought would provide her a fresh opportunity to revive her career and contribute to a playoff-contending team.
However, in a surprising roster cut ahead of opening night, DeShields did not make the final lineup. The news broke on May 14, 2025, and within hours, her name was trending across search engines and social media platforms. For someone once considered one of the most electrifying players in the league, this unexpected turn of events triggered a wave of commentary, speculation, and support online.
Diamond DeShields: A Career Overview
To understand why her release has caused such a stir, it’s important to look at who Diamond DeShields is and what she’s accomplished in her career.
Early Life and College Stardom
Born on March 5, 1995, in West Palm Beach, Florida, Diamond DeShields comes from a family of elite athletes. Her father, Delino DeShields, was a Major League Baseball player, and her brother also played professional baseball. Diamond carved her own path in basketball, quickly rising through the ranks in high school and college.
She played her freshman year at the University of North Carolina before transferring to the University of Tennessee, where she became a standout. Her athleticism, versatility, and scoring ability earned her national attention, making her a top prospect for the WNBA.
WNBA Rise with the Chicago Sky
DeShields was selected third overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. She immediately made an impact, averaging 14.4 points per game as a rookie. In 2019, she was named a WNBA All-Star, solidifying her status as one of the league’s rising stars.
Her playing style — fast, aggressive, and fearless — made her a fan favorite. She often drew comparisons to some of the greats of the game, and it seemed the sky was the limit.
Setbacks and Challenges
But like many athletes, DeShields’ career was not without setbacks. A spinal tumor diagnosis in 2019, which required surgery, nearly ended her career. Her recovery and eventual return to the court is nothing short of inspiring. Despite the physical and emotional toll, DeShields battled back and was part of the 2021 Chicago Sky team that won the WNBA Championship, a career highlight.
However, post-championship, DeShields was traded to the Phoenix Mercury in 2022, where she had a modest season. Her career momentum slowed further when she missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury. She returned to the Chicago Sky in 2024, but her performance, averaging 4.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, did not match her pre-injury levels.
This series of injuries and team changes may have affected her standing in the league, which possibly contributed to the Connecticut Sun’s difficult decision to release her ahead of the 2025 season.
Public Reaction: A Mix of Shock and Support
The basketball community did not take the news lightly. Fans, analysts, and even fellow players took to social media to express their support for DeShields. Hashtags like #DiamondDeservesBetter and #WNBA began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with many pointing out the challenges faced by veterans trying to re-establish themselves in a league with limited roster spots.
Some questioned the WNBA’s tight salary cap and team size restrictions, which often leave experienced players like DeShields on the bubble, even when they still have the potential to contribute.
What’s Next for Diamond DeShields?
While being waived is undeniably a professional setback, it may not be the end of the road for DeShields. Her reputation, experience, and previous success make her an attractive mid-season signing for teams needing a veteran presence. Injuries, roster shuffles, or a team’s poor start to the season could open the door for her return.
Beyond the WNBA, DeShields could pursue opportunities overseas, where many American players find success and financial stability. European leagues, in particular, have welcomed many WNBA veterans and given them a platform to showcase their talents year-round.
More Than an Athlete: A Symbol of Resilience
Diamond DeShields’ journey is not just a sports story — it’s a human story. Her fight against physical adversity, her comeback from a spinal tumor, and her resilience through professional highs and lows have inspired countless fans.
Her recent Google trend speaks volumes about how invested the public is in her story. In many ways, DeShields symbolizes the broader challenges faced by women athletes: balancing personal battles, staying competitive in a tight league, and constantly proving one’s worth in a space that often lacks the resources and visibility of its male counterpart.