McCoughtry leaving for Las Vegas in WNBA

NEW YORK – Angel McCoughtry is headed to Las Vegas and Kristi Toliver is going back to Los Angeles on the first day that WNBA free agents can sign with new teams.

“Viva Las Vegas, baby!” McCoughtry said before heading back to Russia, where she plays during the WNBA offseason for Dynamo Kursk.

“I am truly honored for the opportunity to continue my career and make my return to the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces. I can’t wait to get to know the fans and the community, and bond with my new teammates. It is truly a blessing to continue playing the game that I love and to help make history in this amazing organization.”

Toliver is headed back to Los Angeles the team confirmed to The AP after she spent the past few seasons in Washington and led the Mystics to their first WNBA championship. Toliver helped the Sparks win the title in 2016. She averaged 13 points and six assists last season for the Mystics.

McCoughtry spent her entire career in Atlanta with the Dream after getting drafted by them with the No. 1 pick in 2009. She averaged 19.1 points in her career.

McCoughtry only appeared in one game last season while recovering from a knee injury.

In other moves Monday, the Los Angeles Sparks traded Kalani Brown to the Dream for Brittney Sykes and Marie Gülich.

Seattle acquired Morgan Tuck and the No. 11 pick from the Connecticut Sun for the No. 7 pick in the draft.

The Sun also re-signed star Jonquel Jones.

Dallas brought back 2019 AP Player of the Year Megan Gustafson, who signed as a free agent with the team last year.