Tina Charles (14) with UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and Team USA associate head coach Chris Dailey David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Former WNBA MVP Tina Charles re-signs with Washington Mystics

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/5/21

Tina Charles wasn't able to make her debut for the Washington Mystics during the 2020 WNBA season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The one-time WNBA Most Valuable Player and the Mystics will look to right that wrong this year.

On Friday, the Mystics confirmed that Charles will return to the club for at least the 2021 campaign. According to Gabe Ibrahim of Her Hoop Stats, Charles signed a one-year deal.

Tina Charles contract details: 1-year, $175k protected. Sources have told @herhoopstats. https://t.co/LpiJIeajIH
— Gabe Ibrahim (@gabe_ibrahim) February 5, 2021

Washington acquired the 2012 WNBA MVP via a trade with the New York Liberty last April, but Charles was medically excused from the season held amid the health crisis. As noted by the Associated Press (h/t Yahoo Sports), Charles suffers from extrinsic asthma, a condition that weakens her immune system.

"When we traded for Tina last year, it was a big moment for our organization. It was disappointing for her and for us when she had to miss the 2020 season," Washington coach and general manager Mike Thibault said in the prepared statement.

"Tina’s high-level preparation this offseason and her hunger to win a championship will be a huge catalyst for us to continue as one of the elite teams in the WNBA. We can’t wait to get started."

Across her first 10 WNBA seasons, Charles averaged 18.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. She's a seven-time All-Star who, per the league's official website, is the fastest WNBA player to record 400, 500, 600 and 700 career rebounds.

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