Report: 2-time WNBA MVP Delle Donne to take hiatus

Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne is taking an indefinite break from basketball and doesn't intend to sign the one-year supermax contract offer she received from the Washington Mystics, sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

Delle Donne decided this week that she needed more time to ponder her future in the sport, adds Shelburne.

The 34-year-old was among the league's top players at the peak of her career but has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. She was limited to just three appearances in 2021 due to recurring back issues that eventually required surgery.

Delle Donne averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 boards, and 2.1 assists over 23 appearances last season as she earned her seventh All-Star nod. The 6-foot-5 forward led the Mystics to their lone WNBA title in 2019.

Delle Donne's absence is the latest blow for Washington this offseason. The club already lost veteran guard Natasha Cloud to the Phoenix Mercury in free agency.