Phelan M. Ebenhack / Associated Press
Diana Taurasi will remain with Phoenix Mercury after agreeing to a multiyear deal, according to Shams Charania Stadium and Atlético.
The 38-year-old fighter has spent her entire career with Mercury since she was named No. 1 overall 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 includes nine All-Star teams, an MVP award and three WNBA titles, and she is the top scorer in league history with 8,931 career points.
Phoenix assured that she would not go out on a free agency, keeping her face from the franchise and a productive player who 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 ESPNW in December. “Who knows? In six months, it could be a different story. But now, people ask me what I want to do after basketball … I’m playing basketball now.”
The WNBA free agency period saw a flurry of notable changes. Candace Parker, Aerial Powers, Chelsea Gray and Kayla McBride are among those who have changed teams.
Phoenix avoided a significant loss by keeping Taurasi, potentially preparing the team for a deep race in 2021, with Skylar Diggins-Smith and Brittney Griner also among those who were due to return.