Phelan M. Ebenhack / Associated Press
Diana Taurasi will stay on, according to Phoenix Mercury, after agreeing to a multi-year deal Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
The 38-year-old has spent her entire career at Mercury since being selected overall number 1 in the 2004 WNBA draft.
After a back injury cost her most of the 2019 season, she returned to 18.7 points, 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game in 2020.
Her career includes nine All-Star picks, one MVP award and three WNBA titles, and she is the best scorer in league history with 8,931 career points.
Phoenix has ensured that it has not left free agencies, retaining the concession and a productive player that will make an impact in 2021 and beyond.
“I do not stop; I do not feel I have to stop now,” Taurasi said. Katie Barnes from ESPNW in December. “Who knows? In six months it could be a different story. But right now people are asking me what I want to do after basketball. … I’m doing basketball now.”
The WNBA period of free agency experienced a resurgence of notable movements. Candace Parker, Aerial Powers, Chelsea Gray and Kayla McBride are among those who have changed teams.
Phoenix avoided a significant loss by retaining Taurasi, possibly giving the team a deep run in 2021, with Skylar Diggins-Smith and Brittney Griner also among those who would return.