One of the most significant narratives in the WNBA this offseason revolves around the future of legendary Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi as she considers returning for her 21st season. Following the Mercury’s playoff elimination by the Minnesota Lynx, Taurasi remained undecided about her career continuation, a decision she has yet to finalize.
On Tuesday, the Mercury engaged in a series of major transactions that drastically transformed their roster as they prepare for the 2025 season. They initiated a blockbuster trade, acquiring Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas in exchange for Natasha Cloud and additional assets. In a surprising turn, center Brittney Griner also revealed that she will sign with the Atlanta Dream, marking her first stint outside of Phoenix in her WNBA career.
In light of these developments, indications suggest that Taurasi may retire and is unlikely to return for the upcoming season, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.
“With the Mercury making moves today that will vastly reshape their roster in 2025, it sounds more and more like Diana Taurasi won’t be on the court next season,” Weinfuss noted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “‘Highly doubt it,’ a source told me tonight.”
If Taurasi does decide to retire, it would mark the conclusion of what many view as the greatest career in WNBA history.
Alyssa Thomas should elevate Mercury back into contention
Although the Mercury performed well last season, they needed a significant upgrade to re-enter championship discussions. Their trade on Tuesday not only addresses that need but potentially positions them as a top contender with the acquisition of Alyssa Thomas, one of the league’s premier talents.
With the departures of Brittney Griner and likely Diana Taurasi, coupled with Natasha Cloud’s return to Connecticut, the current Mercury roster is considerably diminished compared to last year. Yet, Thomas is recognized as a remarkable floor raiser and will likely propel Phoenix back into playoff contention immediately.
Thomas will provide immediate enhancements to the Mercury’s performance on both sides of the court. Defensively, she is a relentless presence, adaptable in her defensive schemes and capable of guarding nearly any opponent. An elite rebounder, her ability to dominant the paint allows her to match up effectively against bigs across the league, while her intelligence equips her to defend nimble guards on the perimeter.
On the offensive front, while Thomas may not be known for her shooting prowess or scoring explosiveness, she is widely regarded as one of the WNBA’s top playmakers and serves as an exceptional offensive orchestrator. Additionally, her skills in securing second-chance points will be invaluable for the Mercury, particularly in Griner’s absence. If Thomas can bring her talents to Phoenix, this could be a highly competitive team in the WNBA next season.
Image Source: Keeton Gale / Shutterstock
