Liberty president Isiah Thomas, trying to make a splash on his first day of WNBA free agency, has agreed to terms with Indiana Fever point guard Shavonte Zellous, according to sources.
Zellous, a 2013 All-Star entering her eighth season out of Pittsburgh, originally was drafted by Bill Laimbeer’s Detroit Shock in 2009. Laimbeer is now the Liberty’s head coach.
Zellous won the WNBA title in 2012 and made the Finals in 2015 with Indiana, helping dispatch the Liberty in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 29-year-old averaged 8.4 points and 1.9 assists in a reserve role last season.
Because of WNBA salary restrictions, it’s not common for top players to move as free agents.
“Coming off a season in which we posted the best regular-season record in the WNBA and were the league’s top defensive team, our focus during free agency is to target individuals who embrace our culture and believe in the New York Liberty,” Thomas said in a statement. “Shavonte Zellous is a versatile wing player who fits our defensive-minded culture.”
Thomas, the former Knicks president/coach who also is bidding for partial ownership, was announced as Liberty president last May, but had worked behind the scenes since last January. His hiring by owner James Dolan caused a furor because of his involvement in a sexual harassment case while with the Knicks involving marketing director Anucha Browne Sanders. Dolan said he made the controversial hire to boost the Liberty’s declining profile.