Ex-Mercury star Diggins-Smith signs with Storm

Six-time WNBA All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith is leaving the Phoenix Mercury for the Seattle Storm in free agency.

Diggins-Smith announced the move Thursday 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 in a statement. "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."

The Storm traded guard Kia Nurse and the No. 4 pick in this year's WNBA draft to the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday in order to create the salary-cap space to sign Diggins-Smith.

A four-time All-WNBA first-team selection, Diggins-Smith reunites with Loyd, her former Notre Dame teammate.

The 33-year-old Diggins-Smith averaged 19.7 points, 5.5 assists, four rebounds, 1.6 steals, and a block in 30 games for the Mercury last season.