The Phoenix Mercury are not the same deadly outfit that made the 2025 WNBA Finals. They lack cohesion, defensive resilience, and, most importantly, a contagious energy. With the Dallas Wings waiving JJ Quinerly, an opportunity has presented itself for the franchise to acquire the electric guard to add a much-needed spark to their roster.
When a franchise boasts reputable names such as Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Kahleah Copper, its ambition cannot be anything less than a deep postseason push. Considering that less than 12 months ago, the Mercury were 'competing' against the Las Vegas Aces to lift the championship trophy, it would appear the front office has severely failed in their offseason business.
Fortunately for Phoenix, even with the expanded roster spots (12 standard and two developmental spots) under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams across the league can still, at times, resemble a conveyor belt of players as they look to fine-tune their squads. And there are prospects on the market desperate to make their mark on the league.
JJ Quinerly could spark the Mercury into life
Before her season-ending left ACL injury in August 2025, JJ Quinerly was proving to be an impressive third-round selection by the Dallas Wings. The 23-year-old was the perfect running mate for Paige Bueckers and was devastating in transition.
Throughout her rookie campaign, Quinerly averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 42.6% from the floor. Quinerly recorded a fantastic six-game stint at the start of July 2025, in which she recorded 16 points and five assists per game -- coinciding with her most consistent stretch of minutes of her career (30.3).
A change of coach has not benefited JJ Quinerly's fortunes, and now she is searching for a new home in the WNBA. Both the Quinerly and the Mercury are in a similar moment in their journeys, as they need a spark to reinvigorate their seasons. The West Virginia graduate and Phoenix might need each other more than they realise.
While the Mercury would have to waive a player from their roster, it would be a move that could benefit them for the remainder of the season. An injury to Sami Whitcomb, the struggling form of Lexi Held, and the lack of opportunity for Quinoche Carter would suggest that Phoenix needs to make roster moves, and fast.
JJ Quinerly may not have been top of the Phoenix Mercury's shopping list at the start of the 2026 campaign, but circumstances change, and so do the needs of a franchise. If the team is serious about making another WNBA Finals push, it must find a spark to reignite its season -- and Quinerly can provide this.
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