MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has executed a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix, sending forward Charde Houston and the 24th overall pick in the upcoming 2012 WNBA Draft to the Mercury in exchange for the 18th overall selection in this year's draft.

Charde was an important part of our team for the last four years, said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. She was able to positively impact our team, not only with her play on the court, but also with her personality off the court and with the fans. Charde had expressed an interest getting more playing time, and hopefully this trade will give her a larger opportunity. We are appreciative of everything she has done for our organization and wish her the best in Phoenix.

A four-year veteran out of Connecticut, Houston was originally selected by the Lynx in the third round (30th overall pick) of the 2008 WNBA Draft. She was named an All-Star during her sophomore season in 2009, averaging career highs with 13.1 points and 5.5 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game. Last season, Houston averaged career lows in minutes (7.8 mpg), points (2.9 ppg) and rebounds (1.7 rpg) in 27 appearances. She holds career averages of 9.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game.

The Lynx have six draft picks in the upcoming 2012 WNBA Draft, which will be held in April. Minnesota holds two picks in the first round (3rd and 12th overall), three in the second round (18, 19 and 20) and one in the third round (31).

The 2011 WNBA Champion Lynx will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at www.lynxbasketball.com.

Contact information:

Alex King, Minnesota Lynx, (612) 673-1632, king@lynxbasketball.com

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