Phelan M. Ebenhack / Associated Press
Diana Taurasi will remain with the Phoenix Mercury after agreeing on a multi-year deal, according to the Phoenix Mercury Shams Charania from Stadium and The Athletic.
The 38-year-old has spent her entire career with the Mercury since being named No. 1 in the 2004 WNBA draft.
After a back injury cost her most of the 2019 season, she returned to an average of 18.7 points, 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game in 2020.
Her career spans nine All-Star selections, one MVP award and three WNBA titles, and she is the top scorer in the history of the league with 8,931 career points.
Phoenix kept her from leaving a free agency, retaining the face of the franchise and a prolific player that will continue to make an impact in 2021 and beyond.
“I’m not stopping; I don’t feel like I should stop now,” said Taurasi Katie Barnes from ESPNW in December. ‘Who knows? It could be a different story in six months. But right now people are asking me what I want to do after basketball … I do basketball now. ‘
The WNBA’s period of free duty has seen a wave of remarkable movements. Candace Parker, Aerial Powers, Chelsea Gray, and Kayla McBride are among those who switched teams.
Phoenix avoided a significant loss by retaining Taurasi, potentially putting the team on a deep run in 2021 with Skylar Diggins-Smith and Brittney Griner also among those returning.