Storm re-signs Swin Cash to multiyear deal

Family had a strong tug, but Swin Cash ultimately picked personal growth in making her decision regarding where to play this summer. The Storm announced Tuesday the three-time WNBA champion had re-signed with Seattle, agreeing to a multiyear deal believed to be worth $103,500 the first season.

Free agency opened Feb. 1 and Cash was the top player in the pool of unrestricted free agents. Acquired by the Storm in 2008 via trade with Detroit, she wanted to weigh her options — especially in regard to how her charitable work through Cash for Kids would be impacted.

Cash, a native of McKeesport, Pa., said that after discussions with her mother she felt Seattle was the perfect spot.

"It may be a long flight to see them," the nine-year veteran said. "But they understand what I'm trying to do and the growth I'm trying to have in my charitable work and my business aspirations. They said, 'You have to make the best decision for you,' and so Seattle was it."

Cash, a 6-foot-1 forward, was an integral piece in Seattle's 2010 championship, averaging 16.1 points and 4.9 rebounds during the Storm's undefeated postseason run. She's currently playing in China..

Her return means coach Brian Agler will keep his starting lineup for a fourth consecutive season.

Yet, who will back up stars like three-time MVP Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird is murky. Key reserve Le'coe Willingham is returning and Agler signed Australian Olympians Erin Phillips and Belinda Snell to training-camp contracts, but international standouts Svetlana Abrosimova (Russia), Jana Vesela (Czech Republic) and Abby Bishop (Australia) will not return because of national-team commitments.

Bishop, a rookie last summer, was a shock, because Agler anticipated her playing a larger role this season.

"Basketball Australia indicated to Abby that her game regressed when she came over here and played," said Agler. "I take a little offense to that just because I know that to be the opposite. She was one of the bright spots in how she played at the (FIBA) World Championships with that team, and that was coming right off our season."

Agler is shifting his focus to re-signing center Ashley Robinson, currently playing in Israel, and the April 11 draft. The Storm has the 12th, 24th and 36th overall picks.

Notes

• Training camp opens May 15. Seattle will play two exhibition games before the June 4 season opener against Phoenix at KeyArena, facing Los Angeles in Carson, Calif., on May 25 and hosting Tulsa at 2 p.m. on May 29.

• Jackson had successful surgery on her injured left foot last month according to Agler, and is rehabilitating in Australia. "She feels real good about where she's at right now," he said.