Chiney Ogwumike signs multi-year contract extension with Sun, will sit out 2017 to recover from injury

Forward Chiney Ogwumike signed a multiple-year contract extension with the Connecticut Sun. The team did not release the terms of the deal. Ogwumike, who had offseason surgery to repair an Achilles tendon injury, will be suspended for the 2017 season.

“It’s never easy choosing to sit out a season, but I knew this would give my team the best chance to be successful not only this year but also for years to come,” Ogwumike said. “I am really excited about our strong young core, and my contract extension ensures that upon my return to the court in 2018, we will continue to build together.”

The 2014 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Ogwumike averaged 12.6 points and 6.7 rebounds last season after missing all of 2015 recovering from micro-fracture surgery on her right knee.

“We are thrilled to have signed Chiney to a multi-year contract extension,” Connecticut Sun head coach and general manager Curt Miller said. “She believes in our vision and will continue to be an important piece of our bright future. We will certainly miss her during the 2017 season but know she will be working hard to return stronger than ever.”

Ogwumike led the Sun in rebounding 15 times, was the top scorer seven times and reached double figures in 22 games. Her performance earned her recognition as the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year.