Sparks re-sign Nneka Ogwumike to 1-year deal, source says

The latest free-agent signing for the Los Angeles Sparks is also the biggest. Forward Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 league MVP who has spent her 11-year WNBA career with the Sparks since being drafted No. 1 in 2012, has officially re-signed with the team.

Terms were not announced by the Sparks, but a source confirmed that Ogwumike, 32, has a one-year deal for $165,000. It's considerably less than the supermax of $234,936. But it was something Ogwumike was willing to do to help the Sparks juggle salary-cap issues.

They currently have two pregnant players on the roster in forwards Dearica Hamby and Katie Lou Samuelson. Hamby, due in March, is expected to play in 2023, while Samuelson, due in August, is not. Los Angeles also recently lost free-agent signee Stephanie Talbot for the season due to a knee injury suffered while playing overseas.

Ogwumike's signing wasn't a surprise, as she previously spoke of her intent to return. But the timing was strategic, as she has worked with Sparks general manager Karen Bryant, assistant GM Eli Horowitz and coach Curt Miller on a new direction for the Sparks, plus maintained flexibility because of the salary cap.

Ogwumike, a five-time All-WNBA first- or second-team player and five-time All-Defensive player, has averaged 16.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in her WNBA career.

«I feel like I'm reaching a pivotal point my career and understanding what I want it to mean,» Ogwumike told ESPN. «I'm excited to see a lot of the enhancements that we're making. I'm grateful to be surrounded by both players, coaches and staff that have a greater vision for the organization.

»I feel really good with where I'm at and how I'm progressing as an athlete. I want to be able to win and do that with some great people.