The reigning WNBA MVP is staying put.
Jonquel Jones has signed the core qualifying offer extended by the Connecticut Sun, the team announced Tuesday.
"I am so happy to be back in Connecticut," Jones said in a statement. "This organization has believed in me since Day 1, and I definitely feel like we have unfinished business.
"The fans want it, the front office wants it, and the players want it. So now we just have to go out and get it done and bring a chip back to Mohegan Sun."
Jones was one vote shy of winning MVP honors unanimously, averaging 19.4 points and a league-leading 11.2 boards over 27 appearances last season. She also earned her second WNBA All-Defensive first-team nod and her first All-WNBA first-team selection.
Her strong play powered the Sun to a league-best 26-6 mark in the regular season.
"We are ecstatic about JJ's decision to return and continue her career in Connecticut," Sun head coach and general manager Curt Miller said in a statement. "She is one of the most versatile and talented players in the world. She has a burning desire to improve, and we look forward to building upon the momentum of her MVP season.
"JJ is an unselfish superstar and is driven to help bring a championship to Connecticut. This is a great day for the Sun."
