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The Sun will also have the option to trade second round picks with the Lynx in the 2009 WNBA Draft.

“I’m thrilled to add another highly competitive low post presence, a person who can defend both fours and fives,” Connecticut Sun coach Mike Thibault said of the 6-2 Raymond. “I think she can get more involved in our offense than she was in Minnesota. She brings toughness and leadership to our team. People think of her as an older player, and yet she is a 27-year-old veteran who understands that it takes to win.”

Raymond, formerly Tamika Williams, has averaged 6.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during her six seasons in Minnesota. She was drafted sixth overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft from UConn, where she helped the Huskies win NCAA National titles in 2000 and 2002 while playing with Asjha Jones, Sue Bird, Swin Cash and Diana Taurasi.

Raymond graduated as UConn’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (70.3 percent). She also ranked 10th in career rebounds (763) and 14th in scoring (1,402 points).

“We are excited to bring back to Connecticut a player very familiar with our fans,” Sun General Manager Chris Sienko said. “We believe Tamika will bring to the floor the energy, enthusiasm and skill-set we need to pursue a championship. Tamika is a great leader, and she adds great chemistry to this new-look roster. Kristen was a great role player for us, and we wish her well in Minnesota, where she will have a greater opportunity to play more minutes and be an integral part of their success.”

Signed as a free agent by Connecticut on February 21, 2007, Rasmussen appeared in 33 games for the Sun, averaging 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. She had a single-season career high of 15 made threes, and also posted a double-double at Phoenix (7/6), collecting 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Connecticut Sun will open its sixth season of play on May 17th by hosting the Atlanta Dream in Mohegan Sun Arena. Season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now and can be reserved by calling a Sun Ticket Representative at 1.877.SUN.TIXX (786-8499).