Phoenix Mercury fans were left puzzled when All-Star forward Satou Sabally missed Sunday’s game against the Chicago Sky, with head coach Nate Tibbetts only citing “personal reasons” for her absence. That lack of clarity sparked widespread speculation online, especially given Sabally had been benched for the entire second half of the Mercury’s blowout loss to the Atlanta Dream just two days earlier. Tibbetts explained at the time that she “didn’t bring the energy” the team needed, raising eyebrows about potential tension within the team.
Sabally’s sudden absence, combined with Phoenix’s recent struggles, five losses in their last seven games, fueled rumours that she might be on the trade block ahead of Thursday’s deadline. The timing only added more fuel to the fire, as the forward hasn’t scored more than 15 points in a game since a July 3 loss in Dallas, and her performances have recently cooled off compared to her strong start.
Despite the buzz, there’s no sign that Sabally is actually heading out. She was a full participant in the Mercury’s shootaround on Tuesday morning and is not listed on the team’s injury report, indicating she will return to the floor against the Connecticut Sun. That confirmation puts an end, at least temporarily, to the swirling speculation surrounding her future in Phoenix.
Sabally was a key part of Phoenix’s roster overhaul this spring, arriving from Dallas alongside fellow star Alyssa Thomas. The moves came after the team’s longtime stars Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi stepped away, prompting a major rebuild. Sabally, a three-time All-Star, has been averaging 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals this season, still strong numbers, though perhaps short of expectations set by her earlier performance and the high hopes of Mercury fans.
With the trade deadline looming and Phoenix trying to stabilise after a rough patch, all eyes will be on how Sabally responds in her return. For now, it looks like she’s staying put, but with the WNBA deadline approaching, anything could still happen.