WNBA Free Agency: LA Sparks sign Stephanie Talbot, re-sign Lexie Brown

WNBA free agency is officially underway, and the Los AngelesSparks aren't wasting time getting busy.

Per Rachel Galligan of Winsidr, the Sparks are bolstering theirguard depth by signing Stephanie Talbot.

Stephanie Talbot is expected to sign withthe Los Angeles Sparks, sources confirm to @Winsidr

— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) February 1, 2023

The Aussie guard is entering her sixth season in The W, havingspent the last two seasons as a reserve with the Seattle Storm. Shedrained 40.6% of her threes during her two-year stint with theStorm on 4.6 attempts per 36 minutes.

Talbot took on a larger work load last postseason in light of aninjury to forward Gabby Williams. She provided valuable spacing forthe team, knocking down half of her threes on increased volumewhile finding herself a part of Seattle's closing five.

The Sparks also announced there-signing of combo guard Lexie Brown to a multi-yeardeal.

Brown is coming off the most efficient season of her career,averaging 7.1 points on 58.9% True Shooting. Three-point shooting —both in spot-up situations and off movement — was her primarycalling card; she drained a career-high 39.8% of her threes on 3.9attempts per game. Brown also averaged 2.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists(0.8 turnovers), and 1.0 steals.

Brown appeared in a career-high 34 games, with a slight majorityof those (18 games) coming off the bench. Her numbers improvedacross the board in her 16 starts, particularly her shooting fromdeep.

Bench (20.7 minutes): 6.3 points, 1.9rebounds, 1.6 assists, 34.3% from three on 3.9 attemptsStarter (29.8 minutes): 8.1 points, 2.7rebounds, 2.6 assists, 46% from three on 3.9 attempts

“I’m super excited to be returning to LA,” said Brown in the team's press release.“It was a no brainer to come back and be part of this new era ofSparks basketball. It has always been my dream and ultimate goal tobe part of this organization. I’ve grown and matured so much as aperson and player and after dealing with ups and downs throughoutmy career, it’s such an incredible feeling to be valued and have aplace to call home.”

“Lexie is coming off a career year in2022,” said SparksCAO & GM Karen Bryant. “Bringing Lexie back was animportantgoal, so we’re glad we were able to re-signher.We’re excited she’ll be a part of the group we’rebuilding with moving forward.”

The Duke University graduate was drafted ninth overall in the2018 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. Prior to the 2022 season,she appeared in 15 games in Athletes Unlimited after coming off achampionship run with the Chicago Sky. During her time at AthletesUnlimited, she averaged 14.0 points, while shooting 52.3% from thefield, including 46.9% from deep on 4.3 attempts per game. Sheadded 4.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists in those contests.

“Lexie is an outstanding shooter who will provide us withinvaluable floor spacing,” said Sparks head coach Curt Miller.“She is an underrated defender with her anticipation andstrong IQ. I’m excited to have the opportunity to coach heragain.”