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Sky place core designation on Finals MVP Copper

Kena Krutsinger / National Basketball Association / Getty

The Chicago Sky tendered the core designation to reigning Finals MVP Kahleah Copper, the team confirmed Wednesday, per the Chicago Sun-Times' Annie Constabile.

The Sky now possess exclusive negotiating rights with Copper. If the 27-year-old signs the core qualifying offer, she will earn just under $230,000 for 2022. However, the two sides could also agree to a long-term contract starting Jan. 15.

Copper broke out as a key contributor for the Sky since assuming a larger role during the 2020 bubble season. Over the past two years, the 6-foot-1 wing averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 31 minutes per game.

Despite boasting a roster of current and former All-Stars - including Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, Diamond DeShields, and Stefanie Dolson - Copper led the Sky in scoring with 14.4 points per game on the team's way to their first championship in franchise history last year.

While Parker is under contract through next season, and DeShields is a restricted free agent, spouses Vandersloot and Quigley are unrestricted free agents and will likely be asked to take lesser deals in order to return to the franchise together.

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