Storm set to sign former Sacramento MVP Yolanda Griffith

The Storm is stockpiling former MVP winners in preparation for what could be its biggest season since winning the WNBA title in 2004.

The ever-changing team is expected to introduce center Yolanda Griffith at a news conference to announce her signing today. Griffith won the league MVP award in 1999 and played her entire WNBA career in Sacramento after the American Basketball League folded in 1998.

"We would have liked for Yo to end her career in Sacramento," said Monarchs general manager John Whisenant. "Obviously she's a free agent and she has the ability to sign wherever she thinks is best to finish her career. The last I heard she was not going to play in the WNBA this year, but ... I heard rumors she might have changed her mind."

The Monarchs were the winningest team in the WNBA the past five years, winning the championship in 2005, largely due to Griffith's leadership.

Griffith, who turned 38 last month, has had trouble with injuries the past few seasons. She averaged a career-low 9.0 points and 4.6 rebounds last summer with the Monarchs, who lost to San Antonio in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs.

But Griffith, a 6-foot-3 center, is a noted rebounder and shot-blocker with a tough defensive mind-set. She contemplated retirement the past two summers but wants to win another championship ring.

Griffith was unavailable for comment Monday.

Griffith would join two other newcomers — Sheryl Swoopes, a two-time MVP, and All-Star Swin Cash — in a glittery Storm lineup with Seattle mainstays Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson, another two-time league MVP. Holdover center Janell Burse, currently playing in the Czech Republic, is expected to re-sign soon, as well.

The Griffith signing is yet another change for the team. Four local women purchased the Storm in January, and Brian Agler replaced coach Anne Donovan the same month. The team picked up Cash via trade for its fourth overall draft pick, and Swoopes signed as a free agent.

The WNBA draft is on Wednesday, and the Storm has the 22nd (second round) and 36th (third round) overall picks. Seattle finished the regular season at 17-17 last season and lost in the opening round of the playoffs for third consecutive year.

The Storm opens training camp April 20, and the season opener is May 17 against Chicago at KeyArena.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com