Your Day in Women’s Basketball, February 10: UConn legend Renee Montgomery retires

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Renee Montgomery
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Renee Montgomery /
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Former #4 overall pick retires from the WNBA

Some things are bigger than basketball.

When Renee Montgomery decided to opt-out of the 2020 bubble season, her focus, like many other WNBA players, was on social justice. By forgoing the season to get involved with, among other things, the More Than a Vote Campaign, Montgomery reminded everyone that not only do professional athletes have a platform, but they can use it effectively to advocate for change.

More from High Post Hoops

Growing up in Connecticut, Renee Montgomery was one of the first basketball players I ever watched in person, first on the UConn Huskies where she helped win a National Championship in 2009 alongside Maya Moore and Tina Charles, and then on the Connecticut Sun who she was traded to after only one season on the Minnesota Lynx.

Montgomery is retiring after 11 seasons, winning two champions in her second stint with Minnesota, and being an overall electric player to watch on the court. I have no doubt she will do even better things in her post-basketball career.

WNBA Free Agency Updates

Another veteran has decided to take the one more year route. Candice Dupree has agreed to a single season contract with the reigning champ Seattle Storm. The six-time All-Star is joining the fourth team in her illustrious career after two seasons in Indiana.

Dupree has been a model of consistency, averaging between 11-17 points every year of her career while starting 408/412 possible games. Her role in Seattle will depend on whether the Storm will be able to resign Natasha Howard, but whatever it is will certainly bolster Seattle’s chance at back-to-back titles.

Kayla Thornton has agreed to a two-year extension with the Dallas Wings. While she’s only been in the league for five years, she is already the oldest player on the team. Her experience combined with excellent defensive skills has made her invaluable to the Wings’ future.

Dallas made another move by trading their 16th pick to Chicago for their second round selection in 2022. The Wings will already have to make a few cuts before the start of the season, and the trade allows them to add depth next year when some of the contracts will come up the books.

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