PHOENIX MERCURY

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...

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.

“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.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Mercury

Brittney Griner...

Anne-Marie Iemmolo

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner joins Unrivaled 3-on-3 league

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has joined Unrivaled, a women's professional three-on-three basketball league. 

5 days ago

Natasha Cloud #0 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball as she is guarded by Alanna Smith #8 and Co...

Arizona Sports

Natasha Cloud named to WNBA All-Defensive Second Team

Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud has been named to the 2024 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team.

9 days ago

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots a free throw after a defensive three seconds violati...

Bailey Leasure

Diana Taurasi documentary in the works

A documentary of Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi is in the works by Dan Le Batard's media company Meadowlark Media.

10 days ago

Brittney Griner...

Anne-Marie Iemmolo

Diana Taurasi receives ovation after fouling out in what could be last game

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi received a standing ovation from fans at the Target Center as she exited Game 2 to conclude what could be the last game of her WNBA career.

12 days ago

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots a free throw after a defensive three seconds violati...

Associated Press

Mercury swept by Lynx, Diana Taurasi potentially plays final game

The Phoenix Mercury were swept by the Minnesota Lynx and their season is over.

13 days ago

Mercury...

Arizona Sports

Mercury mount 23-point comeback, Lynx pull away late for Game 1 win in WNBA playoffs

The Mercury climbed back from a 23-point deficit to take the lead in Sunday's playoff opener against the Lynx, but Minnesota pulled away in the closing minutes.

16 days ago

Mercury, former WNBA MVP Tina Charles agree to contract divorce