Phoenix Mercury Complete Historic Overhaul, Reach WNBA Finals
The Phoenix Mercury completed a remarkable turnaround season, reaching the WNBA Finals after a significant roster overhaul that included a record-breaking trade and the emergence of a new “Big Three.”
Coming off three consecutive losing seasons, the Mercury underwent a complete transformation led by General Manager Nick U’Ren and Head Coach Nate Tibbetts, moving on from franchise cornerstones Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. The pivotal moment arrived with a multi-team trade that brought Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to Phoenix, joining Kahleah Copper to form a new core. “I think when [general manager] Nick [U’Ren] got the job, obviously the roster construction was a certain way,” Tibbetts said. “The hope was last year, to put a competitive team around DT [Diana Taurasi] in possibly her last year. I thought we did that.”
Despite initial skepticism – ESPN ranked the team seventh out of 13 before the season – the Mercury finished the regular season with a 27-17 record and advanced to the Finals, defeating the defending champion New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx in the playoffs. Thomas, who posted a WNBA-record eight regular season triple-doubles, and Sabally, an All-Star starter in her first season with the team, quickly became fan favorites. This success is particularly notable given the challenges facing women’s professional sports, where building sustainable franchises requires strategic investment and player development. “No matter what team I was going to play on, for me it’s about that playoff standard,” Thomas said. “Coming here, I didn’t want to drop off and not make the playoffs. I knew we were capable of getting there.”
The Mercury’s postseason run ultimately ended in a four-game sweep by the Las Vegas Aces, but the team’s rapid ascent signals a new era for the franchise. Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, who rejoined the team mid-season, also played a crucial role, providing experience and leadership. Looking ahead, the team faces potential challenges with upcoming CBA negotiations and player free agency, but officials expressed optimism about retaining their core players and continuing to build on their success. You can learn more about the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement here. “They did a great job together,” Tibbetts said. “I think the talent is there.”
U’Ren indicated the organization is already evaluating options to further strengthen the roster, aiming to capitalize on the momentum generated this season.
