Former Phoenix Mercury point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith signed with the Seattle Storm on Thursday as the WNBA free-agent signing period opened.
Diggins-Smith, a free agent, spent the last four years with the Mercury but didn’t play last season due to maternity leave. In 2022, she posted one of her best seasons, tallying 19.7 points per game and 5.5 assists.
A six-time WNBA All-Star who won a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, Diggins-Smith’s tenure with the Mercury had its ups and downs. She stated in August that the team did not allow her to use its practice facility while on maternity leave. Throughout the offseason, Diggins-Smith has alluded to not returning to the Mercury on social media.
“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 said. “I’m laser focused for the upcoming season. Stepping onto the court alongside Jewell (Loyd), benefiting from the leadership of (coach) Noelle Quinn and feeling the energy of the Seattle Storm fans is a combination that I am confident will lead to success.”
Diggins-Smith was drafted with the No. 3 overal pick in the 2013 WNBA by the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings) after an All-American college career at Notre Dame. After playing three seasons in Tulsa and three in Dallas, she was acquired by the Mercury in 2020 and played three seasons in Phoenix.
In nine WNBA seasons, Diggins-Smith has averaged 16.7 points and five assists. The Mercury are expected to sign free agent guard Natasha Cloud to deal with the opening left by Diggins-Smith.
Guard Natasha Cloud expected to sign with Phoenix Mercury
Unrestricted free agent guard Natasha Cloud will be leaving the Washington Mystics for the Phoenix Mercury, according to multiple reports.
The 2015 second-round draft pick has spent her entire eight-year career with the Mystics, helping them win a WNBA championship in 2019.
Cloud, 31, started in all 37 games for the Mystics in 2023 and averaged a career-high 12.7 points and shot 37.7% from the field. She averaged 6.2 assists per game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Skylar Diggins-Smith signs with Seattle Storm, leaves Phoenix Mercury
