Canadian basketball star Kia Nurse is joining the Seattle Storm in free agency.
Terms of the contract were not immediately known.
“Kia is a talented, versatile guard and a proven impact player and competitor in our league,” said Talisa Rhea, Storm general manager in a statement. “She brings valuable experience as a leader of Team Canada on the international stage, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on our team here in Seattle.”
Nurse, who spent the last two seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, confirmed she would depart that organization in an Instagram post on Thursday.
“Thank you to the Mercury organization for the opportunity to play in the Valley the last two years!” Nurse tweeted. “I’m so appreciative of all your support on and off the court, especially throughout my rehab.”
The Hamilton, Ont., native tore the ACL in her right leg during the 2021 WNBA semifinals while playing for the Mercury.
Nearly 11 months later, Nurse returned to the court to play for Canada at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in September 2022. She did not play a WNBA game last season.
“I am so excited to join the Seattle Storm family! This is a top-tier organization with an incredible fan base and history of success,” said Nurse in a statement. “I can’t wait to get to work with my new teammates and coaches and immerse myself in the community.”
After an outstanding college career at UConn, Nurse broke into the WNBA with the New York Liberty in 2018 after that team picked her 10th overall in the draft. The Mercury acquired the guard in February 2021 in exchange for draft picks.
Nurse was a WNBA All-Star in 2019.
Nurse played for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the Rio Summer Games in 2016.
The Storm are having a transformative off-season after the retirement of Sue Bird and the departure of Breanna Stewart, who joined the New York Liberty in free agency.
