Dearica Hamby relieved to have fresh start with Sparks as WNBA free agency opens

Las Vegas Aces’ Dearica Hamby dribbles upcourt during a game against the Phoenix Mercury on May 6, 2022. Wednesday’s opening salvo of free-agent moves added to the Sparks’ previous trade acquisitions of Hamby and guard Jasmine Thomas, who last played for Miller with the Connecticut Sun. “Nneka’s been very supportive since the very beginning,” Hamby said, “and also kind of a contributing factor with why I followed through with the trade.” The Sparks stopped short of officially announcing Ogwumike’s return to the franchise Wednesday, but made it clear the former most valuable player and current unrestricted free agent will play a pivotal role in the organization’s next stage. “She has been a partner to Curt and I from the first day we both touched ground here in L.A. and that continues to be solidified.” Sports Former Sparks star Candace Parker signing with the Las Vegas Aces WNBA star and former Sparks standout Candace Parker says she is signing with the Las Vegas Aces in an effort “to play for a championship close to home.” With the franchise still anchored by Ogwumike’s consistent performance, Brown bristled at the mention of a “rebuild” for the Sparks — even though the team is mired in its worst two-season stretch in franchise history, remade its front office and coaching staff, and entered free agency with the most cap space of any team in the league. “I don’t really like the word ‘rebuild,’ ” said Brown, who re-signed with the team on a multiyear contract after shooting a career-best 39.8% from three-point range last year.