Phoenix Mercury Facing Major Roster Shakeup Ahead of 2025 Season
The Phoenix Mercury are bracing for a notable roster overhaul as the 2024 WNBA season concludes, possibly marking the end of an era for the franchise.
After decades of dominance, WNBA scoring leader Diana Taurasi is expected to retire following her 20th season.Simultaneously occurring, two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is exploring free agency for the first time after 11 seasons with the Mercury. If both players depart, the team will gain substantial financial flexibility with an additional $384,000 in salary cap space.
A new era in Phoenix could be built around recent acquisitions Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud, who joined the team in 2024.The Mercury currently have five players under contract— Copper, Cloud, Becca Allen, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Mack (training camp)— and have extended qualifying offers to Celeste Taylor, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and Amy Atwell.
General Manager nick U’Ren will have a busy offseason navigating free agency, which opens for negotiations on Feb.1.The emergence of a 13th team in the league – the Golden State franchise – adds further intrigue to this period, potentially increasing competition for top talent.
Griner is reportedly meeting with multiple WNBA franchises while competing in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3×3 league in Miami. Her departure would necessitate a shift in playing style for the Mercury under second-year coach Nate Tibbetts.
Cloud led Phoenix in scoring last season, averaging 21.1 points per game while Copper contributed 11.5 points and 6.9 assists.
Notable WNBA free agents available include Breanna Stewart,Nneka Ogwumike,Satou Sabally,Kelsey Plum,Alyssa Thomas,Kelsey Mitchell,and Emma Meesseman.
Meesseman, a 6-4 Belgian forward, has connections to Mercury Associate Head Coach Kristi Toliver, Cloud, and Copper. She last played in the WNBA in 2022 with the Chicago Sky.
The Mercury also hold the No. 12 overall pick and a third-round selection in the upcoming WNBA draft on April 14, offering further options for rebuilding and adding young talent.
Who are the key players expected to lead the Phoenix Mercury after the 2025 roster shakeup?
Phoenix mercury Facing Major Roster Shakeup Ahead of 2025 Season
The Phoenix Mercury are bracing for a notable roster overhaul as the 2024 WNBA season concludes, possibly marking the end of an era for the franchise.
After decades of dominance, WNBA scoring leader Diana Taurasi is expected to retire following her 20th season.Simultaneously occurring, two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is exploring free agency for the first time after 11 seasons with the Mercury. If both players depart, the team will gain considerable financial flexibility with an additional $384,000 in salary cap space.
A new era in Phoenix could be built around recent acquisitions Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud, who joined the team in 2024.The Mercury currently have five players under contract— Copper,Cloud,becca Allen,sophie Cunningham,and Natasha Mack (training camp)— and have extended qualifying offers to Celeste Taylor,Mikiah Herbert Harrigan,and Amy atwell.
General Manager nick U’Ren will have a busy offseason navigating free agency, which opens for negotiations on Feb.1.The emergence of a 13th team in the league – the Golden State franchise – adds further intrigue to this period, potentially increasing competition for top talent.
Griner is reportedly meeting with multiple WNBA franchises while competing in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3×3 league in Miami. Her departure would necessitate a shift in playing style for the mercury under second-year coach Nate Tibbetts.
Cloud led Phoenix in scoring last season, averaging 21.1 points per game while Copper contributed 11.5 points and 6.9 assists.
Notable WNBA free agents available include Breanna Stewart,Nneka Ogwumike,Satou Sabally,Kelsey Plum,Alyssa Thomas,Kelsey Mitchell,and Emma Meesseman.
Meesseman, a 6-4 Belgian forward, has connections to Mercury Associate Head Coach Kristi Toliver, Cloud, and Copper. she last played in the WNBA in 2022 with the Chicago Sky.
The Mercury also hold the No. 12 overall pick and a third-round selection in the upcoming WNBA draft on April 14, offering further options for rebuilding and adding young talent.
Q&A
**Q: With Taurasi and Griner potentially leaving, who will lead the Mercury?**
A: Recent acquisitions Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud are likely to take on leadership roles. Cloud already led the team in scoring last season, showcasing her offensive prowess.
**Q: Could Emma Meesseman be a target for Phoenix?**
A: Absolutely! Meesseman’s connections to the coaching staff and current players make her a strong candidate. Her size and versatility would be valuable assets for the Mercury.
**Q: What other options does Phoenix have besides free agency?**
A: The Mercury hold the No. 12 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, allowing them to select promising young talent and add depth to their roster.
**Q: Is this the end of an era for the Mercury?**
A: While the departure of Taurasi and Griner would mark a meaningful change, it also presents an opportunity for the Mercury to rebuild and create a new legacy.
The Phoenix Mercury are entering a pivotal period in their franchise history. Stay tuned to see how they navigate the upcoming offseason and shape the future of the team!
