News Summary
The Phoenix Mercury underwent a major roster overhaul, including a historic trade, which contributed to their unexpected run to the WNBA Finals. With new key players and a solid team culture, the franchise improved from three straight losing seasons to a competitive playoff run, although they ultimately fell to the Las Vegas Aces. As they prepare for the future, player negotiations loom, including several unrestricted free agents on their roster.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Phoenix Mercury made waves in the WNBA with bold offseason moves that have led to an unexpected appearance in the WNBA Finals. After three consecutive losing seasons, the franchise underwent a major roster overhaul, moving on from long-time stars Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, in a bid to redefine its identity under the direction of general manager Nick U’Ren.
U’Ren adopted an aggressive strategy to quickly restructure the team rather than opting for a lengthy rebuild. Central to this approach was a historic trade, the largest in WNBA history, which brought in standout players Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. Along with Kahleah Copper, the new trio was dubbed the “Big Three,” aiming to change the Mercury’s fortunes on the court.
Alyssa Thomas, a perennial MVP candidate, showcased her talent throughout the season by setting a WNBA record with eight triple-doubles. Her strong contributions earned her spots on the First Team All-WNBA and All-Defensive Teams. Sabally, recognized as a rising star, emerged as a key offensive player during the playoffs, leading the Mercury with an average of 16.3 points per game, while also securing an All-Star starter position in her debut season with the team. Copper provided reliability as an all-around player, rounding out the new core of the Phoenix roster.
The restructuring effort paid dividends, as evidenced by the Mercury’s impressive 27-17 regular season record, significantly surpassing preseason expectations. Sporting news outlets ranked the Mercury seventh out of 13 teams before the season commenced, but their turnaround performance solidified their playoff position.
The Phoenix Mercury’s playoff run reflected their new-found momentum, culminating in victories over the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. However, their journey concluded in the Finals, where they were swept by the Las Vegas Aces, who clinched their third championship title.
In addition to the new acquisitions, the mid-season return of DeWanna Bonner, a former Mercury player, was pivotal. Bonner brought valuable experience and leadership to the squad during the playoffs, enhancing the team’s overall competitiveness.
A critical aspect behind the Mercury’s success this season has been the culture fostered by U’Ren and head coach Nate Tibbetts. Their emphasis on transparency, mutual respect, and a shared ambition to win has created a cohesive unit that resonated well on the court.
Looking ahead, the Mercury face challenges as they navigate upcoming negotiations in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Almost every player in the WNBA will be a free agent, including key figures on the Mercury roster. Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, and DeWanna Bonner are all unrestricted free agents, raising concerns about maintaining continuity for the team.
Despite the uncertainties, U’Ren reaffirmed his commitment to building on the progress made during the season. He is already considering potential moves to enhance the team’s future competitiveness. The roster also saw significant contributions from rookies like Monique Akoa Makani, who made history as the first Cameroonian player to appear on a WNBA Finals roster and played a vital role during her inaugural season.
As the Phoenix Mercury sets its sights on the future, the organization remains focused on leveraging the momentum built during a transformative season, while also addressing the challenges ahead in player negotiations and roster management.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Mercury vs Wings Overview
- Wikipedia: Phoenix Mercury
- Review Journal: Jackie Young Profile
- Google Search: WNBA 2025 Playoffs
- ESPN: WNBA Finals 2025 Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- The Next: Mercury Roster Reshape
- Google News: Phoenix Mercury 2025
- Fever: Player Review – Sophie Cunningham
- Google Scholar: WNBA Articles
- Burn City Sports: Akoa Makani Reflection
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
