Liberty Bringing Back Core Of Last Season’s WNBA Finals Run. Diggins-Smith Signs With Storm – News18

NEW YORK: The New York Liberty are bringing their core group again and attempting so as to add one other piece with prized free agent Nneka Ogwumike whereas Seattle signed Skylar Diggins-Smith as WNBA free company tipped off Thursday.

The Liberty, who made it to the WNBA Finals final season earlier than dropping to the Las Vegas Aces, met with Ogwumike, in accordance with an individual aware of the scenario. The individual spoke to The Associated Press on situation of anonymity as a result of on-going negotiations have been non-public.

Ogwumike watched the Nets-Suns sport courtside on Wednesday evening with Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Betnijah Laney.

Ogwumike has spent her complete profession with the Los Angeles Sparks since getting drafted No. 1 by the group in 2012, however mentioned she was going to play elsewhere this season.

New York assigned a franchise tag to Stewart a couple of weeks in the past and is about to deliver again free agent middle Jonquel Jones, in accordance with an individual aware of the deal. That individual spoke to the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of no announcement has been made on her signing.

ESPN was the primary to report on Ogwumike and Jones.

Diggins-Smith returns to the league after giving start to her second youngster and sitting out final season. The six-time All-Star, who final performed with the Phoenix Mercury, has averaged 16.7 factors and 4.9 rebounds in her profession and reunites with fellow Notre Dame guard Jewell Loyd.

“Joining the Seattle Storm is the ideal next step in my basketball journey. The organization’s dedication to its players and the progression of the league is commendable,” Diggins-Smith mentioned. “I’m laser-focused for the upcoming season. Stepping onto the court alongside Jewell, benefiting from the leadership of Noelle Quinn and feeling the energy of the Seattle Storm fans is a combination that I am confident will lead to success.”

Other strikes made on the primary day of free company included Dallas re-signing Satou Sabally and Kalani Brown. Sabally, who was a restricted free agent, averaged profession highs in factors (18.6), rebounds (8.1) and assists (4.4) final season. Brown is coming off a profession-yr the place she averaged 7.8 factors and 4.5 rebounds. The Wings return just about their complete group that misplaced within the WNBA semifinals to the Las Vegas Aces.

The tow-time defending champion Aces introduced again free brokers Kiah Stokes and Sydney Colson. They additionally signed free agent Megan Gustafson.

Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith signed with the Minnesota Lynx. Williams had a stellar season with Chicago final yr, averaging 10.4 factors, 6.0 rebounds and a profession-finest 6.3 assists.

___

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)