Elena Delle Donne is taking some time away from basketball, according to ESPN.
The two-time WNBA MVP will not sign the one-year supermax offer from the Washington Mystics. It’s unclear how long Delle Donne will stay away from basketball, according to ESPN’s sources. While free agency contracts can now be signed, the 34-year-old reportedly needs more time to think about what her future holds.
Delle Donne told the Mystics that she was unsure about her future prior to the free agency process beginning. She had hoped not to interfere with the team’s offseason plans.
Still, Washington opted to core their star player. As a result, the team holds her exclusive negotiating rights. Delle Donne could only explore other teams if a trade were to be made.
Should Delle Donne sit out this WNBA season, the team could again place the core tag on her.
One of the top free agents this offseason, Delle Donne has appeared in just 53 games for the Mystics since 2017. She’s struggled with injuries, including a back injury that required surgery and kept her limited from 2020 through the 2022 season.
Last season, she averaged 16.7 points and 5.4 rebounds.