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They say every good thing must come to an end, and if we’re being honest, it sure feels like that moment is slowly approaching for one of the WNBA’s all-time greats—Diana Taurasi. The Phoenix Mercury legend hasn’t made any official announcement yet, but her silence is speaking volumes. Fans felt it during the Mercury’s last game, and now, with Phoenix making significant moves in free agency, Taurasi’s lack of reaction is only fueling the growing retirement rumors.

The Mercury pulled off a major move, bringing in Satou Sabally from the Dallas Wings as part of a massive four-team trade. This wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment thing either. #0 had already made it clear weeks ago that she was done with Dallas, and Phoenix wasted no time making her their top priority. 

Now, she’s set to be a crucial piece of what could be the Mercury’s new core. But while the franchise and everyone is excited, the 2x WNBA All-Star recently revealed that Taurasi hasn’t reached out to her since the trade. 

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When asked about it, she admitted, “I think I should reach out to her. Yeah, no, she’s reached out before, for sure. So, I mean, she’s the GOAT. We’re on her court right now. I’ll definitely, I should shoot her a text and be like, hey, I’m in your city.” 

Sounds like DT might not be in the welcoming committee mood right now. This silence isn’t just a coincidence. Think about it. When a franchise legend like Taurasi, who has been there for 20 years, doesn’t have anything to say about a blockbuster trade, it kind of feels like she’s checked out. 

It’s not like she’s been all over the media discussing her future either. The last time we really heard her thoughts on the matter was back in October, when she said, “I don’t take retirement lightly. I know the minute I say it or announce it, whether it’s, you know, in a month or two months, I’m going to mean it.” 

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And not to forget that last game of the season. When the fans started chanting “One more year,” “White Mamba” didn’t exactly shut them down, but her response—“If it is the last time, it felt like the first time”—felt a lot like a farewell without actually saying the words. 

The standing ovation, her emotional speech thanking the fans, the way the moment played out… it all felt like she was subtly saying goodbye. So, while we can’t say anything for sure until the 42-year-old herself makes it official, all signs seem to point in one direction. 

And if that’s the case, then Phoenix is already preparing for life without her.

Without Diana Taurasi, Phoenix’s new ‘big 3’ is ready to shine

During Satou Sabally’s Phoenix Mercury introductory news conference Tuesday, she had two simple words about the team’s new Big 3 of herself, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper: “It’s huge.” And honestly, she’s not wrong.

With or without Taurasi, the Mercury is stepping into a new era. They’ve lost Brittney Griner to Atlanta, and the expectation is that Taurasi will retire, meaning the franchise is shifting gears—fast. But that doesn’t mean they’re hitting reset mode.

In fact, this trio might just be the most exciting thing to happen to Phoenix in a while. Sabally (26), Thomas (32), and Copper (30) bring a mix of youth, experience, and serious versatility. If they all stick around post-2025, the Mercury could be building something special under the WNBA’s next collective bargaining agreement.

And Sabally is more than ready for the challenge. “I can’t let anyone down wearing a Phoenix Mercury jersey,” she said. “I’ve watched BG and Diana play for many years, and those are people I look up to. It would only be a disservice to not come in here with that drive. This is what I bring, and I think it’s a perfect fit.”

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via Imago

Phoenix’s front office couldn’t be happier either. Mercury GM Nick U’Ren made it clear that this wasn’t a last-minute signing. The former Wings star has been on their radar for two years. “It’s something we have had our eye on and our hopes up for,” he said. 

And it’s easy to see why. Her game is built on versatility, something U’Ren was quick to highlight. 

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So, for now, the new Mercury forward is excited to be in Phoenix and “soak up all of Diana Taurasi’s wisdom.” And while that sounds great, the bigger question remains will she and Taurasi ever get to suit up together? We sure hope so, but at this point, it’s all up to DT. 

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Is Diana Taurasi's silence a sign of retirement, or is she planning a surprise comeback?

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