WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, center Tina Charles agree to 'contract divorce'

The Phoenix Mercury announced Saturday that the team has terminated center Tina Charles’ contract, stating that both parties agreed to a "contract divorce, effective immediately."

Charles, an eight-time All-Star, signed a one-year deal with the Mercury as a free agent before the start of the 2022 season with $108,000 guaranteed.

“After discussions with Tina and her agent, it was best for both parties to go our separate ways at this time. Due to circumstances both in and out of our control, our season has not gone according to our plan, and we will continue to pursue all avenues for improvement,” Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said in a statement.

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The 11-year veteran ranked second on the team in scoring (17.3 points per game) and rebounding (7.3 rebounds per game). Charles averaged 33.1 minutes and was an asset to the frontcourt.

Charles, 33, was drafted by the Connecticut Sun as the No. 1 overall pick in 2010 and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award following her inaugural season. Two years later, she was named the 2012 WNBA Most Valuable Player.

The Mercury (6-12) are set to play at Dallas on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET (NBA TV) to conclude their road trip and are seeking to end a three-game losing skid.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, Tina Charles agree to 'contract divorce'