The Seattle Storm has announced that Sue Bird will return for the upcoming 2022 WNBA season.
🐐 𝙄𝙏’𝙎 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇 🐐@S10Bird is here to stay!
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) February 18, 2022
📰: https://t.co/F1BynmQWbz#TakeCover #BirdIsBack pic.twitter.com/vRxgJQiqNs
According to Rachel Galligan of Just Women Sports and WInsider, Bird re-signed with the Storm on a veteran minimum. Bird announced that she was returning for at least one more season in January.
Sue Bird re-signed with the Seattle Storm for a one-year, protected contract at the vet minimum of $72,141 sources tell @Winsidr
— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) February 18, 2022
The Storm is running it back with the core of Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Lloyd signing and returning for at least one more season. Stewart re-signed with the Storm for one more season, and Lloyd was cored. Bird, Stewart, and Lloyd played a crucial part in the Storm winning the 2018 and 2020 WNBA titles. Bird also led the Storm to a championship in 2004 and 2010.
“Sue Bird is Storm Basketball,” Talisa Rhea, Storm General Manager, said in a press release. “It’s rare to have someone play their entire career for one team, and Sue has done that for our city, our franchise, and our fans. To have Sue lead the franchise back home, to the city of Seattle, and Climate Pledge Arena is extremely special.
“Sue’s on-court accolades continue to cement her legacy as one of the best to ever play the game. Off the court, Sue has established an everlasting impact worldwide as she continues to fight for equality, inspire future generations, and elevate those around her.”
Bird has put up 12.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game for her career. The 12-time All-Star ranks in the top 10 in multiple categories, including points, three-pointers made and attempted, steals, points, and made, missed, and attempted field goals. Bird became the first player in league history to reach 3,000 career assists last season against the Phoenix Mercury.
