WNBA’s Connecticut Sun signs former University of Tennessee guard Kara Lawson

Former Tennessee star Lawson signs with Sun

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Former University of Tennessee star Kara Lawson has signed a three-year contract with the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.

Lawson, a gold medalist with the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, spent seven seasons with the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs, where she averaged 9.3 points in 217 games.

Connecticut coach Mike Thibault says he expects Lawson to help the Sun at both guard positions.

The move was the latest in a busy offseason for Connecticut. The Sun acquired forward DeMya Walker in the dispersal draft for Sacramento in December. The team traded guard Lindsay Whalen and the second overall pick in the 2010 WNBA draft to Minnesota for former University of Connecticut star Renee Montgomery and the draft’s top pick.

The Sun also has re-signed reserve Anete Jekabsone-Zogota to a two-year deal.