Perhaps because loyalty is becoming uncommon in sports, Storm fans allowed themselves to fret over the future of its star-studded backcourt. As WNBA free agency progressed and All-Star PG Sue Bird's name sat unclaimed in the unrestricted bracket along with cohort G Tanisha Wright, anxiety appeared to mount among the most faithful.

And when a rumor sprouted about Phoenix possibly luring Bird? Questions of her return were endless.

Yet, Bird is a woman of her word. She's stated repeatedly that she wants to finish her WNBA career in Seattle and moved another step closer to that by re-signing with the Storm on Thursday. Joining her will be Wright, who was drafted by former coach Anne Donovan in 2005.

"I've always said I want to finish my career in Seattle," Bird stated in a press release. "There is no place else I'd rather play. I'm happy to get this done. My first 10 years with the Storm have been memorable, and I look forward to making more great memories this season and in the future."

Both inked multiyear deals with the team believed to be worth the maximum. Bird will speak from Russia this morning (PST), so I'll have more after the teleconference.

"I don't think a lot of people can say they've spent their whole career with one team," said Wright in a press release. "I'm extremely blessed. I'm happy that the organization wanted me back and we could get this done."