The Seattle Storm announced on Thursday that the starting backcourt of Sue Bird and Tanisha Wright have re-signed multi-year contracts to remain with the team for the foreseeable future.
“Re-signing Sue and Tanisha was a priority in terms of what we wanted to accomplish during the offseason,” Storm head coach and general manager Brian Agler said. “They are the best backcourt in the WNBA and a critical part of building a roster than can compete in 2012 and beyond.”
Bird and Wright helped the Storm to the 2010 WNBA championship, the teams second championship in franchise history.
Bird led the Storm in scoring in 2011 with 14.7 points per game and was named a starter in the WNBA All-Star game for the seventh time. After undergoing surgery in September to repair a torn labrum in her right hip, Bird joined Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg in January.
“I’ve always said I want to finish my career in Seattle,” Bird said. There is no place else I’d rather play. I’m happy to get this done. My first 10 years with the Storm have been memorable and I look forward to making more great memories this season and in the future.”
Wright averaged 10.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in 2011 and was named to the WNBA’s All-Defensive first team for the third consecutive season. She is currently playing with Elitzur Ramla in Israel.
“I don’t think a lot of people can say they’ve spent their whole career with one team,” Wright said. “I’m extremely blessed. I’m happy that the organization wanted me back and we could get this done.”
The Storm opens the 2012 season on May 18, hosting the Los Angeles Sparks.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
