Los Angeles Sparks sign All-Star forward Candace Parker to a multi-year contract extension

From the Los Angeles Sparks:

The Los Angeles Sparks have signed All-Star forward Candace Parker to a multi-year contract extension, Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Candace is one of those players in the league that you want to build your team with,” Toler said. “Candace is healthy and will be a critical piece for our Championship run this season. We have a loaded team and we expect to win now.”

The 6’4 versatile forward averaged 18.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 17 games played in 2011. She led the Sparks in points and rebounds per game, and would have been ranked fourth in the league in those two statistics if she played the minimum amount of games. She had six of her career 38 double-doubles last season.

“I am excited to continue to be a member of the Los Angeles Sparks,” Parker said. “The Sparks have always been committed to success and making the right moves to build upon their rich tradition in the WNBA. I know Penny Toler and Coach Ross have worked hard to put together a strong team this year, and I am ready to start the season with my teammates. I know our fans will be ready for a big year from us.”

In 2008, Parker was the first player ever to earn WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season. That same year, she won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. She was voted to the 2011 All-Star Game and named Second Team All-WNBA in 2009.