Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud is pulling out all the stops to bring Satou Sabally, the 2023 WNBA Most Improved Player, to the desert. After Sabally’s announcement that she won’t return to the Dallas Wings for the 2025 season, speculation about her free agency has reached a fever pitch.
Cloud, of course, wasted no time pitching Phoenix to the WNBA star. She jokingly told Desert Wave Media Co., “If that is Phoenix, I will give up my apartment if she wants that.” Recall that the Mercury are fresh off a 2024 season marked by highs and lows-including a 19-21 record and a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Lynx. As such, they are clearly in recruiting mode.
With stars like Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and Kahleah Copper already on the roster, adding Sabally’s versatility and scoring ability could elevate the team into championship contention.
Sabally’s prowess as a three-level scorer and her physicality on both ends of the court would fill a crucial gap for Phoenix. This is particularly true in rebounding and floor spacing to complement Griner’s dominance in the paint. Cloud’s public recruiting pitch comes at a pivotal time. Remember that although Sabally is poised to enter free agency, she isn’t entirely free to leave Dallas just yet. Under the WNBA’s core designation, Dallas retains exclusive negotiating rights with her. The Wings recently officially extended a core qualifying offer to Sabally.
This gives her two primary options: accept a one-year supermax deal to stay with Dallas or collaborate with the team on a trade to a mutually agreeable destination. Based on Sabally’s announcement, it appears the latter is already in motion. Both parties seem to be working on a sign-and-trade agreement. Meanwhile, the Mercury, backed by owner Mat Ishbia’s $100 million investment into a state-of-the-art practice facility, are doubling down on positioning themselves as a top destination for free agents.
Adding intrigue, Sabally, Cloud and Griner are currently teammates on Phantom BC in the Unrivaled league. This gives Phoenix’s core a unique opportunity to make their case in person. With her improved perimeter game and ability to operate in the pick-and-roll, Sabally could seamlessly integrate into the Mercury’s lineup. As free agency looms, Cloud’s blend of humor and sincerity might just tip the scales in Phoenix’s favor — apartment included.
For the latest news and breaking news visit sportzonenews
Be the first to comment