On Saturday, Candace Parker announced on Instagram that she plans to sign with the reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces when free agent contracts are allowed to be signed starting on Feb. 1.
In a nine-paragraph post, Parker described the importance of being closer to her family on the West Coast while she pursues a third WNBA championship in her storied career. She had played with the Chicago Sky for the past two seasons and helped guide the franchise to its first championship in 2021. Last year, the former MVP averaged 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game on a star-laden roster and elevated the Sky to the best record in their history at 26-10.
Parker expressed her gratitude to the city, team and fan base for her time in Chicago.
“I’m forever appreciative of everyone in Chicago – our fans, teammates, coaches, and ownership,” Parker wrote. “But more than the past two seasons, I’m thankful to the city that raised me, the childhood friends I still have to this day, the teachers I still am learning from, and the moments in time that will forever be in my heart.
“While Chicago will always be my home, my family’s home is on the west coast [sic].”
Parker’s decision to go to the Aces hurts doubly for Chicago. On one end, the Sky lose the leadership of an all-time great player and someone who is coming off an All-WNBA First Team nod in 2022. On the other end, Chicago’s biggest rival just poached one of the best two-way bigs in the league to add to a star-studded lineup that had four former WNBA All-Stars already.
Chicago will now look to re-sign its longest-tenured player in point guard and four-time All-Star Courtney Vandersloot. Outside of wing Kahleah Copper, the 2021 WNBA Finals MVP, the Sky don’t have any of their starters from last season signed for 2023.
Sky general manager and head coach James Wade sent a statement to The Next thanking Parker for what she brought to Chicago over the last two seasons.
“Candace has done so much for our franchise in her time here,” Wade said. “I understand her reasons for wanting to be closer with her immediate family. We wish her nothing but the best. She will always be a part of the Sky family. We will celebrate her time here as she deserves.”