Lynx legend Seimone Augustus signs … with the Sparks

Seimone Augustus has stated this upcoming season, her 15th in the WNBA, would be her last. It was assumed that it would be spent in Minnesota, where Augustus had played her previous 14 seasons.

It was assumed incorrectly. The Los Angeles Sparks announced Thursday they had signed the eight-time all-star and four-time WNBA champion.

The Sparks do appear closer to winning a championship than Minnesota. The Sparks had the third-best record in the WNBA last season and advanced to the conference semifinals. Perhaps that's what lured Augustus out west.

"Through intense playoff battles and time with Team USA teammates, I have come to know the Sparks' character and commitment to winning," Augustus said in a statement. "I'm excited to join friends who are now teammates to chase another championship."

The 35-year-old guard played in just 12 games last season for Minnesota, averaging 13 minutes a game. Augustus is no longer the game-changer she was in her prime — she averaged over 16 points per game in her first nine seasons, with a high of 22.6 — but certainly can still help a team with her leadership and situational scoring ability.

Lynx owner Glen Taylor said in a statement that the organization looks forward to seeing Augustus' number hanging in the Target Center rafters in the future.

"Since 2006, Seimone has given the Lynx franchise countless thrilling moments on the court and has had an enormous impact in our community," Lynx coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve said in a statement. "Coaching Seimone Augustus was one of the greatest joys of my coaching life and I wish her the best as she says goodbye, for now, to the Twin Cities."

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