Multiple outlets have reported that WNBA star Candace Parker is planning to move from Los Angeles to her home state and play for the Chicago Sky. News of the potential move became public on Tuesday night after Parker had spent 13 years with the Los Angeles Sparks.
The move is a major shift for the Sparks star. During her 13 year run with the franchise, Parker has won two WNBA MVPs, appeared in five WNBA All-Star games and won the 2016 WNBA Championship. Throughout her career, she played alongside Lisa Leslie, Tina Thompson, Kristi Toliver, Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray and several other stars.
"Thank you for everything you gave the purple and gold. You’re a legend not only to us but to the sport. I’m always a fan of Candace Parker," Los Angeles Sparks fan and actor O'Shea Jackson Jr. tweeted.
Parker will move to the state of Illinois where she grew up and developed a love of basketball. Prior to her professional career, she was a star at Naperville Central High School. While in high school, Parker was named USA Today High School Player of the Year, Naismith Player of the Year and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year.
"Welcome home, Candace Parker! Giordano’s on me sometime soon," Chicago native and ESPN analyst Michael Wilbonadded.
As a professional, Parker will join a talented Chicago Sky squad. Her teammates, Alex Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot and Diamond DeShields, are incredibly accomplished as well. Quigley is a three-time all-star, Vandersloot has led the WNBA in assists five times and DeShields is a former all-star.
"The thought of Candace Parker and Diamond DeShields on the court together? Whew," ESPN analyst LaChina Robinsonasked.
Parker and the Sky will kick off their run toward a WNBA title later this summer.
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