Following a remarkable season that saw them reach the WNBA Finals in 2025, the Phoenix Mercury has solidified its roster by successfully re-signing several integral players. This strategic move ensures the team retains its core talent, promising a strong continuation of their competitive journey. The re-signings include the dynamic Kahleah Copper, the versatile Alyssa Thomas, the seasoned DeWanna Bonner, and the sharpshooting Sami Whitcomb.
Phoenix Mercury Secures Star Trio and Key Contributor for Future Success
In a significant announcement made on Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury confirmed the re-signing of four pivotal players: Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Sami Whitcomb. This decision comes on the heels of the team's stellar performance in the 2025 WNBA Finals, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber roster. General Manager Nick U'Ren expressed immense satisfaction with the agreements, underscoring the profound impact each player brings to the team.
Kahleah Copper, a 31-year-old guard, was a force in her second season with the Mercury. She averaged an impressive 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 28 regular-season games, all of which she started. Her playoff performance was equally compelling, with an average of 17.8 points in 11 starts. U'Ren lauded Copper as "a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game, and competes with a relentless edge and toughness." He further emphasized her ability to perform in critical moments and her impact on both ends of the court. Reports indicate Copper's new contract spans two years. A four-time All-Star, Copper boasts career averages of 12.8 points and 3.6 rebounds over 319 games. Her illustrious career includes being named WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky, after being selected seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft by Washington.
DeWanna Bonner, a 38-year-old six-time All-Star, returns to the Mercury, a team with which she has a deep history, having won league titles in 2009 and 2014. Bonner was an All-WNBA First Team selection in 2015 and Second Team in 2020, and notably earned the Sixth Player of the Year award for three consecutive seasons from 2009 to 2011. After a brief stint with the Indiana Fever in 2025, she rejoined the Mercury on July 8th, posting combined averages of 9.8 points and 4.2 rebounds. U'Ren highlighted Bonner's importance, stating, "She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams." Bonner is a WNBA legend, ranking third all-time in scoring with 7,807 points, games played (535), and free throws (1,938).
Alyssa Thomas, aged 34, made an immediate impact in her debut season with the Mercury in 2025, starting all 39 regular-season games. Her averages of 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.6 steals showcased her all-around game. In the playoffs, she continued to shine, averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in 11 starts. Thomas, a six-time All-Star, has earned first-team All-WNBA honors three times and has been recognized seven times on either the All-Defensive First or Second Team. Her 2025 season was historic, setting WNBA records with eight triple-doubles and 357 assists. U'Ren praised Thomas as "a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen."
Lastly, Sami Whitcomb, 37, provided crucial outside shooting for the Mercury, averaging 9.1 points and hitting a team-high 86 three-pointers with 36.1% accuracy from long range in 43 games. Throughout her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and has won league titles with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and 2020.
The Phoenix Mercury's decision to retain these accomplished players signals a clear intent to build on their recent success and contend for future championships. The blend of leadership, explosive talent, and veteran experience brought by Copper, Thomas, Bonner, and Whitcomb creates a formidable core. This strategy not only energizes the existing fan base but also promises exciting basketball for seasons to come, as the team aims to transform their Finals appearance into a championship victory.
