Satou Sabally is set to join the Phoenix Mercury in a significant three-team trade, according to sources familiar with the transaction. The official announcement is expected soon, as the details are still being finalized.
In exchange for Sabally, the Dallas Wings will receive Ty Harris and Kiki Herbert Harrigan from the Mercury, as well as NaLyssa Smith and the eighth overall pick in the upcoming draft from the Indiana Fever. Meanwhile, the Fever will acquire Sophie Cunningham and a second-round pick from Phoenix. The Mercury will also receive Kalani Brown and Sevgi Uzun from the Wings.
This trade follows Sabally’s declaration that she no longer wanted to play for the Wings, the team that chose her second overall in the 2020 draft. Dallas had tagged her as a franchise player, meaning a trade was the only option for her to leave.
While this trade cannot be official until Saturday, when new contracts can be signed, it marks a notable shift. Last season, Sabally played just 15 games for the Wings while preparing for the Olympics, averaging 15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over her five seasons.
Although Sabally’s departure is a loss for the Wings, they hold the first pick in the forthcoming WNBA draft after winning the lottery. Last season was challenging for Dallas, as they recorded a 9-31 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years.
Additionally, the Indiana Fever recently signed free agent Natasha Howard, another move that cannot be finalized until Saturday.
The Mercury are undergoing significant changes this offseason. They are also working on acquiring Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun, following the announcement that star center Brittney Griner plans to sign with Atlanta. The future of veteran Diana Taurasi remains uncertain as it has not been confirmed whether she will continue her playing career or retire.
