What's going on at the Mercury? This offseason could well mark the start of a new era with the possible departure of two emblematic players.
While waiting for the end of the suspense surrounding the case Diana Taurasisix-time Olympic champion with Team USA, who could decide to end her career after having represented the colors of Phoenix since 2004, she is another emblematic player of the Arizona franchise who is tempted to change direction. air.
Drafted first overall in 2013 by the Mercury and WNBA champion the following season, Brittney Griner decided to test the market by registering for free agency.
From Miami, the player, who is currently taking part in the “Unrivaled” league, confirmed that she wanted “show his talents in preparation for free agency”. His agent clarified that the interior already had interviews planned with several franchises without revealing their names. The negotiation phase officially began on Tuesday and will last until February 1, when free agency will be open.
It could therefore well be a new start for the 34-year-old, possibly in a team better equipped to compete in the fight for the title, which is no longer really the case for Phoenix, who has not won a single game. playoff match since 2021 (swept in 2022 and 2024, not qualified in 2023).
The “Unrivaled” league, the talent market
The presence of 36 of the best players in the world in the “Unrivaled” league has made Miami a key location since many players who are also “free agents” can appear there, such as Courtney Vandersloot. “There are a ton of free agents, it’s a bit like a shopping center where you can do everything”said Breanna Stewart, co-founder of the Unrivaled league and reigning WNBA champion with the New York Liberty.
It has even become one of the main topics of conversation as the end of the month approaches and the players concerned will have to decide.
“There are conversations on the subject, that’s clear. Like, “Hey, would you like to come play here?” “. I think it's great, it allows you to get honest feedback on certain teams, to know who would like to play with who… We're reaching a point in the league where there's going to be a lot of player movement.”added Courtney Vandersloot, who also has several interviews planned with several franchises this week.
As for the “promotion operation”, if Brittney Griner no longer has much to prove, her Phantom team did not shine in its first two matches with two losses against the Laces (86-48) and at Vinyl (84-69) for 7 points, 6 rebounds and 1 block for the first match and 13 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist then for the pivot.
Note that most “free agents” are expected to sign a single-season contract while the new collective agreement, which will contain a much more attractive salary scale, will come into force in 2026.
