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Los Angeles Sparks

Sparks Acquire Delisha Milton-Jones From Washington Mystics

April 22, 2008 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release


LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired All-Star forward DeLisha Milton-Jones from the Washington Mystics in a trade of forward Taj McWilliams-Franklin and the Sparks 2009 first round pick, it was announced today.

Milton-Jones returns to the Sparks who drafted her in the first round (fourth overall) of the WNBA Draft in 1999. She played six years in Los Angeles during which she helped lead the team to back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002. With Washington since 2005, she averaged 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game during their 2007 campaign.

A nine-year veteran, McWilliams-Franklin averaged 11.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in 2007, her first year with the Sparks.

"Trades are part of the game," said Sparks coach Michael Cooper. "DeLisha is a very good defensive player and I'm sure she'll bring the same intensity to the Sparks this time as she did the first time. We'll miss what Taj brought to the team, but wish her all the best in Washington."

"We are excited to welcome DeLisha back to the Sparks family," said Sparks general manager Penny Toler.

The Sparks will begin their 2008 WNBA regular season May 17 at Phoenix. The game airs at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC. The Sparks play their home opener at STAPLES Center on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. with a rematch against the Mercury.

For Sparks' ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS. Tickets also are available by calling 1-877-WNBA-TIX or by visiting either Ticketmaster.com or wnba.com/tickets.

About the Los Angeles Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks are entering their 12th season in the Women's National Basketball Association. The Sparks are one of the eight original teams in the WNBA. In December 2006, the Sparks were purchased by Gemini Basketball, LLC and they are one of seven WNBA teams owned and operated independent of NBA teams. For the first time in franchise history, the Sparks won the top pick for the 2008 WNBA Draft and selected college basketball player of the year Candace Parker of two-time NCAA champion Tennessee. The Sparks were led to back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2001 & 2002 by head coach Michael Cooper. The team's roster of star athletes is led by three-time league MVP Lisa Leslie and includes 2005 WNBA Rookie of the Year Temeka Johnson, stand-out 2007 rookie Sidney Spencer and Parker. The Sparks play their home games at STAPLES Center in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. For Sparks' ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS.

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