The Connecticut Sun traded exclusive negotiating rights to forward Asjha Jones to the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday in exchange for a second round pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft.

"This was a trade that made sense for us," Connecticut Sun Vice President and General Manager Chris Sienko said. "Asjha did not want to return to Connecticut, so we found what we believe is the best available deal, especially as we continue to add and develop young talent."

Jones, 34, is one of the greatest players in franchise history. She played in 271 games and is second in team history in both points (3,336) and rebounds (1.398). She helped the Sun to Eastern Conference championships in 2004 and 2005 and was named to the 2008 All-NBA second team.

Jones hasn’t played in the WNBA since 2012. She missed 14 regular season games that season due to a strained Achilles tendon and averaged 12.2 points and 7.1 rebounds. She returned to average 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds during the playoffs. She sat out 2013 due to nagging injuries, and couldn’t play in 2014 after rupturing her left Achilles tendon during the offseason playing in Russia.

— Day staff reports