The Phoenix Mercury hold a 6-4 overall record to begin the 2025 WNBA season. On Sunday, however, the team waived a player. According to the WNBA transactions page, Phoenix waived former first-round pick Haley Jones.
Haley Jones' career at the WNBA level
Jones was selected by the Atlanta Dream in the first-round of the 2023 WNBA Draft. She ultimately averaged 3.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per outing across 40 games played (six starts) in her rookie year.
In 2024, Jones started 24 of the 40 games she appeared in with the Dream, averaging 3.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Jones ended up in Phoenix with the Mercury in 2025 and played in four games before getting waived. She recorded per game averages of 2.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per outing in her four games played.
At 6'1", Jones can play guard or forward. Her versatility is intriguing, something that will surely catch the attention of teams around the league. With many teams losing players to EuroBasket in June, perhaps Jones will become a coveted free agent. Jones could prove to be a player who lands more than just a contract for a few weeks, though.
At only 24 years old, perhaps a team or two will decide to sign Jones to a rest-of-season contract. After all, there is a reason she was a first-round pick in 2023. Jones features potential and could make a difference for a contender in the WNBA or play a role in the future of a rebuilding squad.
Phoenix Mercury prepare to move forward
As for Phoenix, the Mercury will move forward after moving on from Haley Jones. Expectations were uncertain for the Mercury heading into the '25 campaign after losing Brittney Griner to the Dream and Diana Taurasi to retirement. Yet, the Mercury -- who acquired both Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas in the offseason -- have managed to find success.
Phoenix is currently in second place in the Western Conference standings, trailing only the undefeated Minnesota Lynx -- who hold a 9-0 record. It has been a strong start for the Mercury to say the least.
Phoenix's next game is scheduled for Wednesday night against the Dallas Wings. The Mercury will look to earn their seventh win of the 2025 season in front of their home fans in Phoenix. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 PM EST.