Two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker isn’t done with basketball just yet. After months of rumors about her potential retirement, Parker decided to return for the 2024 season and has re-signed with the Las Vegas Aces.
The Aces confirmed the news through their social media channels on Wednesday. Reportedly, Parker inked a one-year deal.
Parker had a challenging 2023 campaign, dealing with a foot injury that limited her to just 18 games in Aces’ jersey. She finished the season averaging 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. The Las Vegas team ended up winning the WNBA title, making Parker the only player to win championships with three different franchises.
After the season ended, Parker spoke about the uncertainty that surrounds her basketball feature. She said back in November that she was interested in playing again, but only if she was pain-free. The 37-year-old player underwent surgery to repair a foot fracture back in the summer.
Despite being credited with the championship, Parker never got to play in the postseason with the Aces. This probably played a big role in her return, as she likely wants to walk away from the sport on her own terms.
Over the course of her 16 years in the WNBA, Parker was named WNBA All-Star seven times, received a WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, and led the league in rebounding three times. She also won the EuroLeague championship with UMMC Ekaterinburg in 2013 and has three gold medals from the Olympics with Team USA.
