Mercury, former MVP Charles part after 18 games

Former MVP Tina Charles and the Phoenix Mercury have parted ways in a surprising development for last season’s WNBA runner-up team.

The Mercury announced Saturday that the franchise and Charles had agreed to terms on an immediate contract divorce.

“After discussions with Tina and her agent, it was best for both parties to go our separate ways at this time,” Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said. “Due to circumstances both in and out of our…