Sue Bird's time in the WNBA is winding down. In what could be the last season for the WNBA's all-time leader in assists, Bird returned to the Seattle Storm on a league-minimum salary.
Per ESPN's Kevin Pelton, Bird explained that gunning for her fifth career championship is more important than money at this stage in her career.
“At the end of the day, the winning is more important to me and being on a good team. And if that means, in order to get other players, we needed money to go elsewhere, I was on board for that. I've been on board for that for the past three seasons.”
Bird's selflessness afforded the Storm a little extra wiggle room, which can be used to sign other players and tinker with the roster more effectively. Especially with Breanna Stewart and Jewell Lloyd, Seattle's younger stars, due for contract extensions soon, having more flexibility in the future is key. It's imperative that the team convinces Stewart, who has eyes for the New York Liberty, to stick around.
Although she stated that her main desire is to win, Bird explained that her long WNBA career and off-the-court endorsements allow her to take less money.
“That's a lovely reality of women's sports right now,” Bird said. “When you're a winner, when you're on TV, you're going to get more opportunities. That's why to me, especially if this ends up being my last year, the money will come in other ways. I know I'm fortunate that I can sit here and say that, not all players can, but that's changing for all players. It really is.”
Bird and the Storm should have a strong chance to compete for a WNBA championship this upcoming season.
Follow Us
Subscribe
