Jordin Canada is going back to California.
The guard’s four-year run with the Seattle Storm is over after she signed a contract Tuesday with her hometown Los Angeles Sparks, the team announced. According to Just Women’s Sports, Canada agreed to a one-year deal with the Sparks worth $98,000.
“Her ability to probe defenses with her quickness and play pressure defense fits our identity,” Sparks head coach and general manager Derek Fisher said in a statement. “In addition, she has invaluable experience running high-level offenses throughout her career. Jordin was an important part of our offseason plan and we’re excited to welcome her home to Los Angeles.”
Canada, 26, grew up in Los Angeles, was a McDonald’s High School All-American at the Winward School and played her college ball at UCLA. She helped the Bruins win a WNIT championship, make two Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight appearance, and was twice named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
The Seattle Storm drafted Canada with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. Canada quickly established herself as a defensive stalwart in the pros, too, leading the WNBA in steals and making its All-Defensive First Team in 2019.
In four seasons in Seattle, she helped lead the Storm to a trio of championships. The Storm won the WNBA title in 2018 and 2020, and won the Commissioner’s Cup last season.
For her career, Canada averages 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals across 21.7 minutes per game. Her plus-2.84 assist-turnover ratio was fourth-best in the WNBA last season.
“I’m extremely blessed to be back in my city and to play for my hometown,” Canada said in a statement. “It has always been a dream of mine to be a part of this championship organization. I can’t wait to get to training camp and get to work with my teammates.”
Canada joins a Sparks’ team that is overhauling its roster after finishing 12-20 in 2021. The Sparks acquired Katie Lou Samuelson and the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming draft from the Storm, and acquired Chennedy Carter from the Atlanta Dream earlier this offseason.
ESPN has reported that the Sparks are also working a on a deal to land four-time All-Star Liz Cambage as well, though nothing has been officially announced.
–Field Level Media