Mercury, former WNBA MVP Tina Charles agree to contract divorce
Jun 25, 2022, 11:37 AM | Updated: 3:03 pm
Tina Charles #31 of the Phoenix Mercury handles the ball against Cheyenne Parker #32 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 10, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury and center Tina Charles agreed to terms on a contract divorce effective immediately on Saturday, the team announced.
Charles, who won league MVP in 2012 and led the WNBA in scoring last season with the Washington Mystics, signed with the Mercury as a free agent on Feb. 4.
In 16 games with Phoenix, Charles averaged 17.3 points per game to go with 7.3 rebounds.
In what would be her final game with the team on Thursday, Charles scored 26 points in a loss against Minnesota.
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“After discussions with Tina and her agent, it was best for both parties to go our separate ways at this time,” said Mercury general manager Jim Pitman in a statement. “Due to circumstances both in and out of our control, our season has not gone according to our plan, and we will continue to pursue all avenues for improvement.”
Phoenix currently has a 6-12 record and has lost its last three games.
Charles signed a one-year, $108,000 deal with the Mercury that was considered a massive underpay for the services of the center.
The 33-year-old Charles now must clear waivers before becoming a free agent and the Mercury face more questions on their roster, with All-Star center Brittney Griner still detained in Russia.
Phoenix is back in action on Saturday on the road against the Dallas Wings at 5 p.m.
