Tina Charles agrees to 1-year contract with Sun
Eight-time All-Star Tina Charles opted to ink a one-year contract with the Connecticut Sun, the team announced Sunday, per ESPN's Alexa Philippou.
"Today marks an incredible moment in our team's history as we welcome back one of the greatest players to ever grace the WNBA," Sun general manager Morgan Tuck said in a statement. "Tina not only helped define the success of this franchise during her early years, but she also set the bar for excellence, both on and off the court."
Charles was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sun in 2010 and spent the first four seasons of her career in Connecticut.
The 2012 MVP returned to the WNBA last season after a one-year hiatus and appeared in 39 games with the Atlanta Dream. She averaged 14.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in her lone campaign with the franchise.
The 36-year-old also had stops with the New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm.
This offseason has been franchise-altering for the Sun as they have moved on from their entire starting five from last season.
Veteran Alyssa Thomas, Ty Harris, and DiJonai Carrington were moved as part of a four-team trade involving the Sun, Mercury, Dallas Wings, and Indiana Fever. The Sun acquired Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, Jacy Sheldon, and the No. 8 pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft.
Thomas had spent her entire 11-year career with Connecticut, and Carrington was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player in 2024.
Three-time All-Star Brionna Jones also left the franchise to sign a deal with the Dream.
Connecticut will be stewarded by head coach Rachid Meziane after Stephanie White opted to take the Fever job.