Controversy has been louder than the results for the Phoenix Mercury. The 2025 finalists had an abysmal start to the 2026 season, losing 13 of the first 18 games. And just as things were starting to improve, they have now been hit with a roster shakeup.

Jovana Nogić last played on June 17 and had not been with the team since June 20, when the team suspended her contract. No details were provided regarding the suspension, and head coach Nate Tibbetts said it was due to “personal reasons.” Now, the team has officially announced that she will miss the rest of the 2026 season due to the same “personal reasons.”

“This was not an easy decision, I love Phoenix, our organization, and our fans,” Nogić said in a statement. “The Mercury community made me feel welcome from day one, and I look forward to returning to Phoenix next season.”

A report from Sport Klub’s Marko Vlahović after Nogić’s contract was suspended revealed that the rookie guard would take the summer leave to prepare for overseas commitments with UMMC Ekaterinburg and the Serbian national team. However, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Nogić’s agent, Boris Lelchitski of Sports International Group, denied the claims. He clarified that the goal is for Nogić to be ready to play with the Mercury when the 2027 season begins.

“The well-being of our players is our top priority,” general manager Nick U’Ren said. “We appreciate the hard work, commitment, and joy she brought to Phoenix this season.”

Nogić had been one of the bright stars in an otherwise gloomy season. She averaged 10.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 16 games with the team. That included the 19-point first-half explosion against the Aces. She also later dropped a career-high 27 points against the Chicago Sky, shooting 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.

This departure also comes after her minutes began disappearing out of thin air. During her impressive start, Nogić was averaging 14.7 points in her first 7 games while shooting at 49% from the three-point line in 25.1 minutes per game. Instead of seeing an increase in her playing time, Nogić only averaged 16.1 minutes a game after that. Noemie Brochant got the nod as she went from averaging 18.6 minutes in May to 26.1 minutes in June. And with less offensive production than what Nogić had shown, averaging 8 points and 2.5 rebounds in the past month.

Despite her diminished role over the final few games, the Mercury will miss Nogić’s perimeter shooting. At the time of her departure, she ranked among the team’s top three scorers and was one of its most efficient three-point shooters.

That said, with Nogić’s departure creating an open roster spot, Phoenix now has an opportunity to add reinforcements. Whether the Mercury prioritize rebounding, shooting, or another area of need with their next signing remains to be seen.