Get ready for a thrilling journey as we dive into the world of the Phoenix Mercury and their remarkable journey to the WNBA Finals! A tale of adaptation and talent acquisition, this story will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Last year, the Mercury had an action-packed offseason, and their hard work certainly paid dividends. They assembled a diverse and talented roster, featuring All-Stars, rookies, and seasoned veterans with championship rings. Among their acquisitions were Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, both named All-Stars, with Sabally achieving this honor for the third time and Thomas for the sixth.
But here's where it gets controversial... Sabally, known as the "Unicorn," was unable to participate due to an ankle injury. Her teammate, Thomas, stepped up as a reserve for Team Collier, contributing six points, four rebounds, and four assists. Despite this setback, both players had a stellar season, and so did the Mercury's rookies.
Monique Akoa Makani, a starter, brought her international experience from France to Phoenix. Kathryn Westbeld, Kitija Laksa, and Lexi Held also joined the team after playing abroad, showcasing their skills and helping the Mercury secure impressive victories. The Mercury's roster also included Sami Whitcomb, a two-time champion with the Seattle Storm, and later in the season, they welcomed back DeWanna Bonner, a former Mercury player who had won two championships with the team before joining the Connecticut Sun.
While the Mercury added several talented players, they also experienced some departures. Brittney Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream, and Diana Taurasi, a long-time Mercury player drafted in 2004, announced her retirement before the season began. Monique Billings, who averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in her first season with the Golden State Valkyries, was also lost to the expansion draft.
Natasha Cloud, who played for the Mercury in 2024, was involved in the trade that brought Thomas to Phoenix. She eventually joined the New York Liberty. The Mercury also waived players, including Amy Atwell, Celeste Taylor, Alexis Prince, and others, and Megan McConnell was released due to an injury.
As the season progressed, the Mercury's roster evolved, adapting to the challenges and opportunities that arose. Now, with another busy offseason ahead, we're left wondering: What moves will the Mercury make next? How will they navigate the changes and build upon their success? Stay tuned, as the story of the Phoenix Mercury continues to unfold, and be sure to follow us on X to stay updated on their 2025 roster and the exciting moves they make!
