SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm has waived veteran guard Sheryl Swoopes.

Coach Brian Agler says the weekend move was made to clear space under the $803,000 salary cap. The 37-year-old Swoopes' 2009 contract would have become guaranteed on Sunday.

Swoopes was recuperating from back surgery when she signed with the Storm as a free agent last March.

The Storm had high hopes for last season after adding three-time WNBA MVP Swoopes, Swin Cash and Yolanda Griffith to an all-star lineup that included Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson.

The team finished a franchise best 22-12, but lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Swoopes was slowed by injuries and averaged 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 29 games last season.