Storm backcourt stays intact with Bird, Wright

The Seattle Storm re-signed veteran guards Sue year contracts on Thursday.

The longest-tenured starting backcourt in the WNBA, Bird and Wright have started 117 games together and helped Seattle capture its second championship in 2010.

"Re-signing Sue and Tanisha was a priority in terms of what we wanted to accomplish during the offseason," Storm head coach and general manager Brian Agler said. "They are the best backcourt in the WNBA and a critical part of building a roster that can compete in 2012 and beyond."

Bird led the Storm in scoring last season with 14.7 points per game. The 16th player in league history to reach 4,000 points, Bird had surgery in September to repair the labrum in her right hip.

"I've always said I want to finish my career in Seattle," said Bird, who joined Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg in January. "There is no place else I'd rather play. I'm happy to get this done. My first 10 years with the Storm have been memorable, and I look forward to making more great memories this season and in the future."

Wright averaged 10.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 2011. She is currently playing with Elitzur Ramla in Israel.