For a lot of the 2020 WNBA free agency period, we have seen players change teams at an alarming pace. Then we have seen players decide that their current situations are just okay and decided to re-sign with their incumbent franchises.
The latest major free agent signing was a score for the “player stays with incumbent team” column as Chelsea Gray re-upped with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Return of the #PointGAWDDDDD
Let’s get it @cgray209 💪
🎶 “MVP” @AtmCurly | @unitedmasters #GoSparks #LeadTheCharge pic.twitter.com/iXS6Givtz3
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) February 28, 2020
It has been speculated that since the team’s press release did not mention it being a multi-year deal that Gray’s new contract with the Sparks is only for one year.
In 2019, Gray averaged 14.5 points per game in addition to 5.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds per contest. She also made her third consecutive All-Star team in 2019.
I’m excited to be back and to get things started. We have a great group of women who are anxious to compete for a championship. The staff, organization, and fans are all ready to bring the trophy back to LA!
–Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles Sparks (per release)
The Sparks have had one of the busier free agent periods despite not having a permanent general manager. Los Angeles’ free agent period has included bringing Kristi Toliver and Seimone Augustus to the purple and gold as well as trading Marina Mabrey to Dallas and re-signing Maria Vadeeva.
The Sparks also did a trade with the Atlanta Dream that sent Kalani Brown to Atlanta in exchange for Brittney Sykes and Marie Gulich.
Each season, she adds elements to her already explosive game. She’s foundational to everything we’re building and we’re grateful to have her in LA.
–Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Sparks coach (per release)
Lehhhhh goooo 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/fTu1stk1kz
— Chelsea Gray (@cgray209) February 28, 2020
Gray has also notably come through in the clutch in Sparks playoff runs, including game-winning shots in WNBA Finals with the Minnesota Lynx.
Her ability to take over games with her shot, penetration and passing make her one of the most clutch players in the league. We are thrilled to watch Chelsea continue to grow her career in Los Angeles.
–Eric Holoman, Interim General Manager, Managing Partner
