Originally published March 3, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 3, 2008 at 8:46 PM

Storm signs Sheryl Swoopes

The Storm has signed veteran forward Sheryl Swoopes.

Seattle Times staff reporter

The Storm has signed veteran forward Sheryl Swoopes.

Swoopes was introduced at a news conference at 4:30 p.m. today. Swoopes, who will turn 37 on March 25, is a three-time WNBA most valuable player.

Swoopes is a league original, playing from 1997 through 2007 for the Houston Comets (missing the entire 2001 season with a knee injury). Swoopes won the MVP honor in 2000, 2002 and 2005.

Only three other players have won the award more than once -- Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie and Storm star Lauren Jackson.

Swoopes led the Comets to the WNBA's first four championships. She was reportedly unhappy in Houston, however, and injury prone, missing all but three games last season due to a strained lower back.

A prolific scorer, she has averaged 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists in her 10-year career.

Swoopes has been a mentor to Jackson in the past. Swoopes also starred on the Olympic team with point guard Sue Bird, whose re-signing with the Storm will be announced soon. Swoopes was a maximum-salaried player in Houston and will most likely sign with Seattle for $93,000 this season.

Storm coach Brian Agler, who is also director of player personnel, signed Swin Cash last month.

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