Phoenix Mercury sign C Kia Vaughn amid busy offseason

Adding to what’s already been a busy offseason, the Phoenix Mercury announced on Monday the signing of free agent center Kia Vaughn.

Vaughn, 33, is a 10-year veteran of the WNBA and finds herself in Phoenix after spending six seasons with the New York Liberty across two separate stints, along with a four-season stretch with the Washington Mystics.

The 6-foot-4 center has been to the playoffs in seven of her 10 professional seasons and played in the NCAA National Championship in college with Rutgers.

“Kia Vaughn is a high-caliber veteran who brings size, toughness and playoff experience to an already improved roster,” Mercury GM Jim Pitman said in a press release. “The addition of Kia continues an offseason of adding proven talent, both veteran and youth, adding toughness and athleticism, shooting and rebounding. Just like our other additions, Kia will be a great fit in Phoenix.”

The acquisition continued a series of transactions the Mercury have made this offseason to overhaul the roster.

Already this offseason, the Mercury executed a sign-and-trade of longtime forward DeWanna Bonner, acquired point guard Skyler Diggins-Smith, signed Brittney Griner to a multi-year extension and acquired forwards Jessica Breland and Nia Coffey in a three-team trade.

Vaughn did not play in the WNBA in 2019 but played for Elazig in Turkey, averaging 20.9 points and 9.1 rebounds in 14 games. Her 56.1% shooting from the field led the team.

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