PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury are bracing for a significant change as they enter their first season in 21 years without their iconic player, Diana Taurasi. Enjoying her retirement, Taurasi has stepped away from professional play. Additionally, the team will no longer see Brittney Griner in their lineup since she has donned the Atlanta Dream colors for the upcoming season.
Losing Taurasi and Griner, two colossal figures in women’s basketball, marks the beginning of a new era for the Mercury. New faces are stepping up to carry on the tradition of a franchise with a legacy of championships and competitive excellence.
“I’m here now with a bunch of fresh talents and eager minds,” shared Alyssa Thomas, a new Mercury forward, during the team’s media day. “It’s exhilarating to join a championship-winning organization that has been at the forefront for so long.”
Taurasi had an extraordinary career after being picked first overall by the Mercury in the 2004 WNBA draft. Accumulating a stunning list of achievements that include six Olympic gold medals and three league championships, Taurasi retired with an unmatched legacy in women’s basketball.
At 6-foot-9, Griner was a powerhouse in her 11 years with the Mercury, known for her remarkable ability to dunk and block shots. She played a critical role in bringing another championship to Phoenix in 2014. Recently, she opted for a shift by engaging with free agency, ultimately signing a one-year contract with the Dream, eyeing a new collective bargaining agreement for lucrative prospects in the future.
Despite the loss of these legends, the Mercury’s general manager Nick U’Ren has been proactive in shaping a fresh path for the team.
Thomas arrived from a trade with Connecticut, bringing with her vast experience and a record as the WNBA’s leader in triple-doubles. Having spent 11 years with the Sun, she has twice led them to the WNBA Finals and successfully secured an Olympic gold medal in Paris.
Acting with foresight into Taurasi’s retirement, the Mercury managed a three-way trade to acquire Sabally. A promising 6-4 forward who earned All-WNBA first-team accolades in 2023, Sabally averaged impressive stats in her 2024 season, despite a shoulder injury limiting her to 15 games.
“Adversity often brings out our best, and we excel in overcoming challenges,” Sabally expressed. “Reflecting on it all, it adds even more value to these exciting times.”
Completing Phoenix’s reinvigorated Big Three is Kahleah Copper, an intense competitor and natural leader.
The 6-1 forward, following a successful stint with Chicago as a three-time All-Star, joined the Mercury where her influence was immediately felt. Last season, she was the WNBA’s third-highest scorer, notching up 21.1 points per game. Copper has already tasted victory by helping Chicago defeat Phoenix in the 2021 finals.
With Taurasi and Griner’s exits, Copper is poised to assume leadership and inspire her teammates, helping the Mercury uphold their historic winning legacy.
“I think you’ll really see her spread her wings,” remarked Nate Tibbetts, the Mercury’s second-year head coach. “You can witness it throughout this offseason; she’s poured her heart into our team’s vision.”
Faced with monumental changes, the Mercury are steering towards a new direction without Taurasi and Griner. The team is hopeful that this rebuilt core will lead them down a familiar path of triumph.