There’s a saying that’s as old as the hardwood itself: offense wins games, but defense wins championships. If there’s any team living by that mantra in the WNBA right now, it’s the Phoenix Mercury. Under the guidance of head coach Nate Tibbetts, the Mercury have transformed their defensive identity and, against all odds, bulldozed their way into the 2025 WNBA Finals. Yet, despite this remarkable run, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads as it stares down a pivotal offseason, filled with tough decisions, aging stars, and a league landscape that’s about to get a whole lot more competitive.
On June 21, 2025, head coach Nate Tibbetts was spotted courtside at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, his focus unwavering as the Mercury squared off against the Chicago Sky. Fast forward a few months, and Tibbetts is addressing the media during his team’s exit interviews, reflecting on a season that saw Phoenix defy expectations but ultimately fall short, swept 0-4 by the powerhouse Las Vegas Aces in the Finals.
“Well, to be great in this league, you got to be able to do both, right? This year, we made a big step in the right direction defensively,” Tibbetts told reporters, his tone both proud and hungry for more. The Mercury’s relentless defense had propelled them past two WNBA heavyweights—the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx—cementing their status as the league’s surprise package. But as Tibbetts admitted, “You can’t always control if the ball goes in or out, but you can control how you defend. Part of the reason why we got to the finals was because of our defense. And then we ran into a really good team, and we didn’t get as many stops as we needed. But defensively, it’s something that Nick and I talk about—finding defensive players. That’s something we’ll look at this offseason.”
The offseason, though, brings both promise and peril. The Mercury have just one player signed for the 2026 campaign, giving the front office a blank canvas and a rare degree of salary cap flexibility. On the surface, that might sound like a dream scenario—ample room to retool, rebuild, and reload. But as general manager Nick U’Ren has already acknowledged, the situation is anything but straightforward. With almost the entire league about to hit free agency and two new expansion teams entering the fray, the Mercury’s shopping list could quickly become a battleground.
One of the biggest challenges facing Phoenix is the age of its core stars. Alyssa Thomas, widely regarded as the Mercury’s best player and defensive anchor, will be 33 at the start of next season. DeWanna Bonner, a postseason stalwart, is set to turn 38. Sami Whitcomb, fresh off one of her best seasons, will be 37, and Kahleah Copper will be 31. While Thomas and Whitcomb both delivered standout performances in 2025, Bonner and Copper saw noticeable dips in their output. The average age of the roster is creeping up, and for a team hoping to contend, that’s a red flag.
Yet, there’s no denying the defensive pedigree of this group. DeWanna Bonner, in particular, has etched her name into the WNBA record books. As of October 12, 2025, she sits second all-time in postseason steals with 116, trailing only the legendary Tamika Catchings (152). Bonner’s 15 playoff appearances speak to her longevity and consistency, and her ability to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers has been a hallmark of her game since her rookie year. The postseason steals leaderboard is a who’s who of defensive greatness, and Bonner’s place among the elite is secure.
Not far behind is Alyssa Thomas, who currently ranks fifth with 95 postseason steals. With just one steal separating her from Maya Moore (96) and 13 from Candace Parker (108), Thomas is poised to leapfrog both in the coming years, provided the Mercury can continue making deep playoff runs. “Thomas still has a lead over Chelsea Gray, who has 87,” noted a recent report, highlighting the fierce competition among the league’s top defenders. Gray, for her part, recently surpassed Angel McCoughtry in postseason steals during Game 4 of the 2025 Finals, underscoring just how quickly these rankings can change.
Defense, then, is both the Mercury’s calling card and their ticket to future success. But as Tibbetts and U’Ren know all too well, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. The 2026 free agency period is shaping up to be a minefield. With the salary cap set to rise, Phoenix’s core players—fresh off a Finals appearance—will understandably be seeking lucrative new deals. That could eat up a significant chunk of the team’s cap space, leaving less room to add quality depth. And with expansion teams eager to make a splash, the competition for star talent will be fierce.
“Whenever there is a big spike in the salary cap, the role players are paid handsomely as well. This can limit Mercury’s options to add quality depth to its roster,” observed analysts, pointing to similar trends in other professional leagues. The risk is clear: overpaying to retain veterans could leave the Mercury thin on the bench, a vulnerability that was exposed in the Finals against Las Vegas.
Adding to the complexity is the team’s limited draft capital. Phoenix holds just a single second-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, significantly reducing their chances of landing a game-changing rookie. The front office may have to get creative—exploring sign-and-trade deals or multi-team trades—to bring in fresh talent. The prospect of acquiring a rising star like Angel Reese, who is reportedly unhappy with the Chicago Sky, seems remote unless the Mercury can swing a major deal.
All of this makes for a fascinating offseason in the Valley of the Sun. The Mercury’s front office faces a delicate balancing act: rejuvenate the roster with younger, defensive-minded players while retaining enough veteran leadership to remain competitive. “Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said he talks with GM Nick U’Ren about finding defensive players. ‘That’s something we’ll look at this offseason,’” reported Desert Wave Media, capturing the team’s commitment to its defensive identity.
As the dust settles on a season that saw Phoenix rise, stumble, and ultimately fall just short of the mountaintop, one thing is clear: the Mercury’s story is far from over. With a blank slate, a proud defensive tradition, and a front office unafraid to make bold moves, the next chapter promises to be every bit as compelling as the last.
The Mercury faithful will watch closely as Tibbetts, U’Ren, and company navigate the coming months. Will Phoenix double down on defense, reload with younger legs, or swing for the fences in free agency? The answers are coming soon. For now, the only certainty is that the Mercury’s pursuit of a championship remains as fierce—and as fascinating—as ever.
