The Phoenix Mercury recently acquired Satou Sabally from the Dallas Wings. Sabally had previously spent her entire career with the Wings, but now she is set for her next chapter in the WNBA. The Sabally trade has been one of the biggest deals of the offseason so far. The new Mercury star explained why she is confident in Phoenix heading into the 2025 campaign.
"I mean, we're really talented players... I think that we're going to be so dominant on the floor, versatile with every single player... And we are going to be able to feed off each other, make each other better," Sabally told reporters during her introductory press conference, via the Phoenix Mercury.
Sabally enjoyed a strong career with the Wings. The 26-year-old earned two All-Star selections and even finished fifth in WNBA MVP voting in 2023. She was linked to a number of teams as trade rumors swirled this offseason. So what led Sabally to Phoenix?
"I just felt like here, my heart and my gut kept telling me 'Phoenix, Phoenix, Phoenix. It's Phoenix,'" Sabally explained. "I guess I just have to listen."
Satou Sabally set to join Phoenix Mercury
Sabally was limited to only 15 games played in 2024 after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. If she is able to stay healthy in 2025, though, she could have a big first season with the Mercury.
The Mercury still have some uncertainty overall. Losing Brittney Griner in WNBA free agency was far from ideal, and it remains to be seen if Diana Taurasi will even play in 2025. Taurasi is dealing with retirement rumors and her future in the league is in question.
The Alyssa Thomas acquisition was impactful to say the least. With Sabally and Thomas on the roster, the Mercury should still have an opportunity to compete. It seems as if Phoenix needs to make more moves in order to become a serious championship contender, though.
Sabally is a player the Mercury can build around, however. As mentioned, she is only 26 years old. If Sabally wants to stay in Phoenix for the long-term future, a contract extension could come to fruition at some point down the road.
For now, the Mercury and Satou Sabally will focus on preparing for the 2025 season. Phoenix could end up making another addition or two before the regular season gets underway, so that will be something worth watching.