WNBA
Alexa Philippou, ESPN 1y

Aces sign Candace Parker, boost depth with Alysha Clark

WNBA, Las Vegas Aces

Two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker has officially signed with the Las Vegas Aces, who also announced Wednesday the signings of two-time WNBA champion Alysha Clark and four-time WNBL champion Cayla George.

Parker, who previously played for the Los Angeles Sparks and spent the past two years with the Chicago Sky, announced Saturday that she was leaving her hometown team of Chicago and would be joining the defending champion Aces, citing the desire to be closer to her family.

"We are thrilled to have Candace Parker join the Aces family," Aces general manager Natalie Williams said in a statement. "Candace is a future Hall of Famer, a proven champion, and most importantly, an incredible woman. She is a talented play maker, an exceptional leader, and an invaluable piece toward our quest for another championship title. We look forward to welcoming Candace and her family to Las Vegas."

Widely considered one of the best players in league history, Parker is a 10-time All-WNBA selection who won MVP in 2008 and 2013 as well as Finals MVP in 2016, all with the Sparks. She also helped propel the Sky to a title in 2021, her first year playing in Chicago.

ESPN previously reported that Parker, 36, signed with the Aces on a one-year deal.

Parker's announcement over the weekend spurred talk that the Aces -- whose starting five already features two-time MVP A'ja Wilson, all-WNBA selection Kelsey Plum and 2022 Finals MVP Chelsea Gray -- would be favored to repeat as champions in 2023. The Clark and George signings add to the Aces' depth, which wasn't a strong suit of theirs last season.

Clark, 35, arrives in Vegas after spending the past two seasons with the Washington Mystics, the first of which she was sidelined with a foot injury. The two-time all-defensive team selection also won a pair of championships with the Seattle Storm.

"Having Alysha Clark join the Aces is like winning the lottery," Williams added. "She is a savvy defender and skilled scorer from all three levels, as well as a veteran leader who gives us great depth at the guard and small forward spot."

George, who has an extensive 15-year career in the WNBL and has been a longtime part of the Australian national team, has played three seasons in the WNBA, last appearing with the Dallas Wings in 2018.

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