The Connecticut Sun made a major move by signing former WNBA MVP Tina Charles to a one-year contract, bringing her back to the team where her career began. The signing marks a full-circle moment for the 36-year-old center, who was drafted by the Sun as the No. 1 overall pick in 2010. Charles’ return is not just a homecoming; it represents a reunion with a franchise that was pivotal in shaping her legendary career in the league.
Charles’ first stint with the Sun was marked by incredible success. During her early years in Connecticut, she won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award in 2010 and claimed the MVP title in 2012. Over the course of four seasons, Charles helped define the team’s identity, setting the standard for excellence both on and off the court. In a statement celebrating her return, Sun general manager Morgan Tuck expressed excitement about welcoming one of the league’s all-time greats back to Connecticut, acknowledging the lasting impact Charles had on the franchise.
This offseason has been a time of change for the Sun, with several key players moving on. The team made significant roster changes, including trading star Alyssa Thomas to the Phoenix Mercury, parting ways with DeWanna Bonner, who signed with the Indiana Fever, and sending Most Improved Player DiJonai Carrington to the Dallas Wings. These moves signal a shift in the team’s strategy, and Charles’ arrival offers a beacon of leadership and experience to help guide the team through this rebuilding phase.
Charles spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Dream, where she averaged impressive stats of 14.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. With this move, she returns to Connecticut not only as a former MVP but also as the WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds, further solidifying her place in the league’s history. Her return is sure to inspire both the Sun’s current roster and the passionate fanbase, creating a sense of optimism for the next chapter in the team’s journey.
For the Sun, Charles’ leadership and experience will be invaluable as they look to build a new era of success. Her presence on the court, combined with her legacy as one of the best to ever play the game, will undoubtedly help set the foundation for a bright future, both for the team and for the next generation of players watching her play.
