Candace Parker

Despite signing a one-year deal with the Aces in February, Parker has opted to retire ahead of the 2024 campaign. The veteran played 16 years in the WNBA and won three championships and two MVP awards. Parker battled an ankle injury last year and made only 18 appearances for Las Vegas, averaging 9.0 points and 5.4 rebounds -- both career lows. However, she was dominant over the course of her career, averaging 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists over 16 seasons between Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas.

In a surprising move, Parker joined the Aces last offseason to give the reigning champs even more firepower. The veteran took a back seat to Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young, but Parker was still impactful as a starter, averaging 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks in 23.6 minutes over the first 18 games. However, that was it for Parker in 2023, as she was sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to an ankle issue. She'll presumably be 100 percent healthy by the start of 2024, but the 38-year-old may not garner a fantasy-friendly role given the Aces are returning the core that's led them to back-to-back titles.

Parker joined Las Vegas last offseason after two seasons in Chicago but had her 2023 campaign cut short due to an ankle injury that sidelined her from July 5 through the rest of the season. Parker, who will by 38 years old by the time the 2024 campaign begins, hits free agency this offseason and it will be interesting to see if she decides to retire or return for another season in Las Vegas or elsewhere.

Parker hasn't played since July 5 due to an ankle injury. It seems unlikely she will be available for Game 5 if the Liberty are able to win and extend the series Wednesday.

Parker shed her walking boot recently, but there's yet to be a concrete return timetable given by the Aces. Barring a change, it would appear likely that Parker won't be able to suit up for the remainder of the WNBA Finals. Las Vegas was still able to handle business in Game 1, with Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray combining to score 72 points.