A former Seattle Storm center is heading to LA. It was recently revealed that Mercedes Russell and the Los Angeles Sparks agreed to a contract, per the WNBA transactions page.
It has been a busy offseason for the Sparks. They first dealt with disappointment after not earning the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft Lottery. Rather, it was the Dallas Wings who landed the pick while the Sparks received the second overall selection.
However, LA made a big move later in the offseason. The Sparks recently acquired star guard Kelsey Plum from the Las Vegas Aces in a massive trade. It was an important move for Los Angeles as they attempt to compete soon.
The Sparks understand the importance of depth as well. Signing a veteran such as Russell should help the team during the '25 campaign.
What Mercedes Russell brings to Los Angeles Sparks
Russell, 29, made her WNBA debut in 2018 with the New York Liberty. She later joined the Storm, though.
Russell would go on to play in Seattle from part of 2018 through 2024. She is not regarded as a superstar, but Russell is a reliable center who understands what it takes to find success at the WNBA level.
In 2024, she averaged 3.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per outing while recording 15.8 minutes per game. Russell also shot 51.7 percent from the field.
Joining a new team will be an adjustment for Russell, as she has spent most of her career in Seattle with the Storm. She should be able to make a significant impact with her new team, though.
The Sparks selected forward Cameron Brink with the second overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She was limited to 15 games played in her rookie season due to injuries, but Los Angeles has high expectations for Brink. Perhaps Russell can help Brink take the next step forward in her WNBA career. Adding veteran leadership is typically a good decision, as young players can learn a lot from veterans.
Sparks' 2025 outlook
The Sparks finished the 2024 campaign with the worst record in the WNBA. One has to imagine that LA will take a step forward with Dearica Hamby still on the roster, Plum set to make her Sparks debut and Brink expected to return from injury.
The Sparks could play at a much more consistent level. It would not be surprising to see them emerge as a postseason contender.