Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP, has made the decision to temporarily step away from the basketball court and has declined the one-year supermax offer from the Washington Mystics. This choice follows Delle Donne’s leadership in securing the Mystics’ first championship in 2019.
At the age of 34, Delle Donne’s departure from the sport is open-ended, leaving her potential return to basketball uncertain. Despite the start of WNBA free agency signings on February 1, Delle Donne has opted to prolong her period of contemplation regarding her future in basketball.
Prior to the commencement of the free agency period, Delle Donne, who has made a remarkable comeback from multiple back surgeries, expressed her hesitancy about her career to the Mystics. This was in the hope that her decision would not disrupt the team’s plans for the offseason. However, in response, the Mystics placed the core designation on Delle Donne to maintain her as part of the team for the upcoming season, preventing her from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Being designated as a “core player” entails that Delle Donne forfeits her unrestricted status, as the team possesses exclusive rights for negotiation. Additionally, she is automatically presented with a one-year supermax contract and can only consider joining other teams if a trade is agreed upon.
If Delle Donne chooses to sit out for the entire season, the Mystics maintain the right to once again place the core designation on her. The execution of this tactic by the Mystics led to the inability to apply a core designation to Natasha Cloud, who subsequently signed with the Phoenix Mercury as a free agent.
Elena Delle Donne’s decision to take a break from basketball represents a significant development for the Mystics and the WNBA as a whole. As the situation continues to evolve, many are left to ponder about the future of the esteemed basketball star.