Report: Two-time MVP Candace Parker to leave L.A. Sparks for Chicago Sky

For the first time since she starred for the Tennessee Lady Vols ahead of a legendary WNBA career, Candace Parker will play for an American team other than the Los Angeles Sparks. 

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported on Wednesday that Parker is making the move from the Sparks to the Chicago Sky. 

The Sparks selected Parker first overall in the 2008 draft and served as her only WNBA home for 13 consecutive seasons. With Los Angeles, Parker became an all-time great who helped the Sparks win the 2016 WNBA title. She earned Most Valuable Player honors in 2008 and 2013, Finals MVP in 2016, and the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year Award during her tenure with Los Angeles. 

She's the only player in WNBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP the same season. 

Shelburne explained that Parker, 34, wanted to play for her hometown of Chicago during the twilight of her career even though the Sparks wished to re-sign her this offseason after she finished the 2020 campaign third in MVP voting. Parker has averaged 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds during her WNBA career.