Reigning WNBA Sixth Player of the Year and two-time All-Star Brionna Jones has re-signed with the Connecticut Sun on a one-year deal, the team announced Monday.
Jones, who has spent all six seasons in the league with Connecticut, figures to have a larger role this summer after fellow All-Star post and 2021 MVP Jonquel Jones demanded a trade to New York.
One of the biggest free agents on the market this offseason, Brionna Jones was cored by the Sun following the departure of Jonquel Jones. Coring is akin to the NFL's franchise tag, allowing teams to retain the rights of a player set to become a free agent.
"Brionna has played a significant role in the Sun's success over the past few years," Connecticut Sun general manager Darius Taylor said in a statement. "We are super excited to have her stay in Connecticut and continue to watch her game flourish as we look to compete for a title this season and beyond."
After seeing limited time off the bench her first three seasons in Uncasville, Jones blossomed into a key player beginning in the 2020 bubble season, eventually winning Most Improved Player in 2021 as well as earning her first All-Star bid. In 2022, when Jones primarily came off the bench, she averaged 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals, helping distinguish herself as Sixth Player of the Year.
In 2022, Jones was a critical component to the Sun's second Finals run in four years, where they fell to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 4.
The Sun have a new-look roster following the trades of Jonquel Jones and longtime point guard Jasmine Thomas (to L.A.). They've acquired several players via trade, including Bec Allen, Ty Harris and the rights to Tiffany Hayes, while re-signing Natisha Hiedeman and Brionna Jones. Former coach Curt Miller also departed in the offseason to take the helm of the Los Angeles Sparks, with the Sun bringing in Stephanie White to replace him.
