While every franchise was busy securing their big three, the Phoenix Mercury had theirs broken up. Last year, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas led the Mercury to their first finals appearance since 2021. Under Nate Tibbets, the team finished 27-17, their best record since 2000. They succeeded in retaining all key pieces but one, Satou Sabally but Kahleah Copper has no hard feelings. 

Sabally was the heart of their offense last year, especially in the playoffs. She averaged a team-high 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds during the regular season last year. She pushed the pedal in the playoffs, averaging 19 points through 10 postseason games before an untimely concussion ended her season early in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The Mercury have retained Alyssa Thomas, guard Kahleah Copper, forward DeWanna Bonner and guard Sami Whitcomb. Everyone but their top scorer.  Now, she joins the New York Liberty and Mercury star Kahleah Copper understands her decision. 

“Everyone was a free agent, so everyone is going to do what’s best for them. It’s important that you always do what’s best for you, no matter what that is. You come first.” Copper said. “She mentioned her family. She’s from Germany, so that time difference makes a real difference in being able to talk to them. I just wish her nothing but luck. She’s going to be incredible.”

Sabally explained that her home was “very far” for her in Phoenix. “Like nine-hour time difference,” she said. “I could only talk to my little brothers before practice. … So I think it was a personal decision just to get closer to my own home.” 

In addition, Satou Sabally was born in New York, and her mom always told her that both she and her sister, Nyara, would play in the city one day. So, there was that legacy element to that decision. Satou also took a pay cut, signing a two-year deal for a total of $1.67 million, which is $600,000 less than (per year) what she could have signed for. So, Kahleah or any of the Phoenix staff can’t really blame her for that, as Alyssa had a similar approach when she was asked this. 

“We’re going to continue to do what we do,” Thomas said. I think we showed last year with people in and out of the lineup, we’re capable of a lot of things. We’re just going to continue to move forward and we wish her the best of luck.”

This move is understandable, especially since this new CBA is the correct time to ‘cash in’ after being underpaid for years. While Sabally is not earning the most money, she is taking this opportunity to align her future goals and family. Then there is the aspect of “unfinished business” with Sabrina Ionescu as well.

Satou Sabally’s New York Dream Powered by Sabrina Ionescu Connection

Yes, Satou Sabally was an important part of that Phoenix team. They blended together for that season. However, Sabally was in Phoenix for just one season. She joined from Dallas in a four-team trade and safe to say, that investment was fulfilled this past season. Sabally has personal as well as deeper professional ties in New York, having played with Sabrina Ionescu at Oregon. 

Back in 2020, the Ducks dominated the regular season with a 31-2 record, led by Ionescu and Sabally. It looked like the duo would carry the team to a national championship and guide them over that hump. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the NCAA Tournament was canceled. Now, the duo has some unfinished business and are vying for a WNBA championship together.

“I think it’s just the familiarity. We know each other really well on the court and know that we can bring the best out of each other in different aspects because we’ve gone through a lot. When you play with someone in college, it’s a different kind of relationship that you build,” Ionescu said. She further explained how they were roommates and had a different connection than one would have with a teammate. 

This factor also played a part in Sabally’s move away from Phoenix. There were just too many things going for Sabally in New York. Despite parting ways, they still remain on amicable terms, but will compete for the glory when the time arrives.