The Phoenix Mercury are in a rut right now, and they must get out of it quickly. They’re on a six-game losing streak and have gone 2-8 to open the 2026 season. That has put Phoenix at the bottom of the standings. Monday night’s 111-77 loss to the Minnesota Lynx was the fifth-largest defeat in franchise history.
It’s the same story that has haunted the Mercury so far. They were unable to generate scoring chances, suffered defensive breakdowns, and could not find a way to capitalize on their opportunities. They have nowhere near the depth they had last year when the team made it to the WNBA Finals.
Now, Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren has more than a little work to do to salvage the season. Clearly, Phoenix needs help on defense, but so do many WNBA teams, and there isn’t an abundance of defensive talent available.
Per Spotrac, the Mercury currently have approximately $1.04 million in salary cap space – potentially even more if they move a few players – enough to swing a deal for a veteran or two. However, with a roster full of aging veterans, a swap deal may be the best option if Phoenix hopes to make a significant move to save its season and beyond.
Arike Ogunbowale
To that end, could the Mercury make a move for Dallas Wings veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale? The 29-year-old is signed to a supermax contract worth roughly $1.4 million, but acquiring her would require much more than simply matching salaries. With Azzi Fudd emerging as a key piece for Dallas, the Wings could be open to exploring certain deals.
Whether that makes Ogunbowale more or less attainable for the Mercury is up for debate. However, her experience, accomplishments, and proven scoring ability, combined with Phoenix’s current struggles, make her an intriguing fit for the franchise.
Aneesah Morrow
Another option for the Mercury is Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow. The sophomore star is a far cheaper asset at just $79,223 for this season, and if Phoenix can come up with a solid package of draft picks and/or prospects, they could add a youngster with speed and skill who would get much more opportunity than she’s getting in Connecticut right now. She’s averaged a double-double of 12.0 points and 10.1 rebounds in 10 games this season. Remember, she has started in just four games so far this season.
Napheesa Collier
Much has been made about where Napheesa Collier will play next season after signing a one-year supermax extension with the Minnesota Lynx. Because of this, the former Defensive Player of the Year’s name has surfaced in the rumor mill.
With Collier being a stalwart force at both ends of the court, the 29-year-old would be an intriguing player for the Mercury to take a chance on and rebuild their next dynasty around. However, acquiring her would require far more draft picks and prospects than one might expect.
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