The Phoenix Mercury's journey to the WNBA Finals last season was nothing short of remarkable, but it didn’t happen by chance. Behind the scenes, the team underwent a dramatic transformation, reshaping their roster with a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and international talents. This bold strategy paid off, but it also raises questions: Can such a diverse group of players consistently gel together, or is this a recipe for instability? Let’s dive into the details.
The Mercury’s offseason moves were a masterclass in adaptability. They welcomed Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, both of whom earned All-Star honors—Sabally for the third time and Thomas for the sixth. Yet, the absence of the team’s ‘Unicorn’ due to an ankle injury left fans wondering what could have been. Meanwhile, Thomas showcased her versatility as a reserve for Team Collier, contributing six points, four rebounds, and four assists in a standout performance.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Phoenix didn’t just rely on established names. They took a gamble on international rookies like Monique Akoa Makani, Kathryn Westbeld, Kitija Laksa, and Lexi Held. These players, who honed their skills in leagues abroad, stepped up big time, proving that talent knows no borders. Their contributions were pivotal in securing key wins, but it also begs the question: How sustainable is this reliance on unproven international talent?
The Mercury’s championship DNA was further bolstered by Sami Whitcomb, a two-time champion with the Seattle Storm, and DeWanna Bonner, who returned to Phoenix after winning two titles with them earlier in her career. And this is the part most people miss: While these additions strengthened the team, they also meant saying goodbye to legends like Brittney Griner, who signed with the Atlanta Dream, and Diana Taurasi, who retired after a storied career. These departures left a void—both on the court and in the hearts of fans.
The roster churn didn’t stop there. Monique Billings was lost to the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft, where she averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in her debut season. Natasha Cloud, who played for the Mercury in 2024, was part of the trade that brought Thomas to Phoenix, eventually landing with the New York Liberty. The team also waived several players, including Amy Atwell, Celeste Taylor, and Alexis Prince, as well as Megan McConnell due to injury. Is this constant turnover a sign of strategic flexibility or a lack of long-term vision?
As Phoenix gears up for another busy offseason, the big question remains: Can they replicate last year’s success, or will the loss of key players and the pressure to integrate new talent prove too challenging? One thing’s for sure—the Mercury’s journey will be anything but boring.
What do you think? Is Phoenix’s approach to roster building a winning formula, or are they taking too many risks? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow us on X for the latest updates on the Mercury’s 2025 roster—click here to stay in the loop: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
