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Alexa FilippoESPN
Two-time WNBA Champion and MVP Candace Parker Plan to signal with Las Vegas Aces As an unrestricted free agent, she introduced Saturday on Instagram.
“Since I went by way of free company this time, I am in fact serious about the place I can compete for my third championship, however key phrases and household are what I hold coming again to… I have to be there for my daughter, son, and spouse,” Parker wrote. “I am unable to be with out them in elements of the season when Layla is at college and I will not miss volleyball video games or college dances simply due to the space. Layla begins highschool in August and I have to be there for her, simply as she was there for me.”
“After assessing the panorama with my household, we have now determined that the Las Vegas Aces are the fitting group for us at this level in our lives.”
Her agent, Boris Lichitsky, instructed ESPN on Saturday that Parker’s contract with the Aces might be for one 12 months. Her wage remains to be beneath negotiation.
very long time former Los Angeles Sparks The star has spent the previous two seasons taking part in for her hometown staff, the Chicago Skyserving to them to their first title in 2021. Because the No. 2 seed within the playoffs final season, Chicago was upset by Connecticut Solar In a Recreation 5 winner-takes-all residence run through the Semifinals.
“Candice has executed a lot for our franchise in her time right here,” Sky coach and normal supervisor James Wade mentioned in a press release. “I perceive her causes for eager to be nearer to her instant household. We want her nothing however the perfect. She is going to all the time be a part of the Sky household. We’ll have a good time her time right here as she deserves.”
Parker will be part of the two-time WNBA MVP group Aja WilsonAll-WNBA Staff member Kelsey Bloom and Finals MVP Chelsea GreyThey’re all freshmen to the WNBA title, the franchise’s first, final season. Whereas fellow free brokers Brianna Stewart And Courtney Vandersloot Not but saying their choices, Parker becoming a member of the Aces makes Las Vegas, for now, the favourite to win it once more in 2023.
A supply instructed ESPN that there was mutual curiosity in a Parker and Sparks reunion, however she as an alternative selected the defending champion Aces with the assistance of Wilson recruiting her. Parker can also be shut pals with Grey, her former classmate in Los Angeles.
“Cue the reunion a** music,” Grey tweeted after Parker’s announcement.
However, Wilson was confused.
“Snajajsodmfmdoskanexirmsnwkandickrlfowaknwziendoeke sure,” she tweeted.
Parker, 36, is broadly thought of among the best gamers to ever make the sport as a two-time nationwide champion with Tennessee, a former #1 WNBA draft decide and seven-time All-Star, whereas additionally racking up 10 NBA nominations. All-WNBA. Along with profitable the MVP her rookie season — the one participant to realize the feat — she took residence the glory in 2013, and was named Finals MVP in 2016.
Parker beforehand made waves in 2021 when she left the Sparks, the group that drafted her in 2008, to signal with the Sky, citing a need to play close to the place she grew up in Naperville, Illinois. After initially indicating that she was contemplating retiring after the 2022 season, her determination to signal with the Aces is having an equally seismic impact on the WNBA panorama.
“After I made the choice to go to Chicago in 2021, I made the choice to go residence and be with my household to the place the place all of it started. I’m so grateful for the chance to win a championship in my hometown and parade on the identical streets that I watched the bullshow once I signed up. Little woman in love with the sport of basketball,” Parker wrote. “I’m endlessly grateful for everybody in Chicago — our followers, teammates, coaches, and possession. However greater than up to now two seasons, I’m grateful for the town that raised me, the childhood pals I nonetheless should at the present time, the lecturers I nonetheless study from, and the moments in time that can stay in my coronary heart.” endlessly.
“Whereas Chicago will all the time be my residence, my household’s house is on the West Coast.”
Free brokers, together with Parker, are allowed to signal contracts beginning February 1.
Some anticipated a giant free company transfer to be on the desk for the Aces after they traded a two-time All-Star Derekah Hamby Earlier this week and since then Hamby has accused the Aces of treating her in an “unprofessional and unethical method…that was traumatic” over her being pregnant.
Las Vegas hopes to turn into the primary staff to win back-to-back titles for the reason that Sparks in 2001 and 2002. Parker will turn into the primary participant within the WNBA to win a title with three completely different franchises if she wins one title with the Aces.
ESPN senior author Ramona Shelburne contributed to this report.