WNBA: Toliver returns, Walker-Kimbrough re-signs with Mystics

Kristi Toliver announced she was signing with the Washington Mystics via Instagram on Wednesday morning, the first day WNBA free agents could officially sign contracts.

Toliver returns to Washington DC after two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. She spent 2017-19 as the Mystics’ starting shooting guard. She was pivotal in Washington’s 2018 Finals appearance and 2019 championship run.

Toliver is 37 and had his worst statistical season last year in Los Angeles. She’s unlikely to play as big of a role on the floor as she did during her last stint in DC. But she can play a major role in the locker room not only as a veteran leader who knows almost everyone on the team, but also as another coach who has NBA experience.

In his Instagram post, the University of Maryland legend and Harrisonburg, Va. native said, “DC is my home.” So welcome home, Kristi!

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough will re-sign with the Washington Mystics, sources confirm to @winsidr

— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) February 1, 2023

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough has re-signed with the Mystics, according to Winsidr’s Rachel Galligan. Walker-Kimbrough played 35 games with Washington last year. She averaged 6.9 points per game and 1.1 steals per game in her role off the bench. With Toliver, Walker-Kimbrough, Ariel Atkins, Natasha Cloud and Brittney Sykes locked in, the Mystics’ backcourt rotation is likely set for the season. However, Washington still has room to work. They cannot be done in free agency.