With Diana Taurasi in her late 30s, the questions about the “r-word,” meaning retirement, will only grow louder and louder.
Jim Pitman, Phoenix Mercury general manager, does not see Taurasi putting away her Mercury jersey after this season concludes.
I told her as long as she wants to play, there will be a home for her here. I would expect if her season goes as she thinks it’s going to that she’ll want to keep playing.
–Jim Pitman, Phoenix Mercury GM (Arizona Republic/AZCentral.com)
Her passion for playing is like it’s all been renewed over this offseason, and we’re so excited how that translates come May.
–Jim Pitman, Phoenix Mercury GM (Arizona Republic/AZCentral.com)
Taurasi will return to a Mercury team expected to once again contend for a championship after the active free agency Arizona’s team has undergone.
Phoenix has signed Skylar Diggins-Smith, traded DeWanna Bonner to the Connecticut Sun and was part of the three-team deal that sent Courtney Williams from the Sun to the Atlanta Dream. The Mercury also signed Bria Hartley, Kia Vaughn and re-signed Brittany Griner and Yvonne Turner.
The Mercury also have a new arena for the next two seasons as it will play its home games at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum while Talking Stick Resort Arena undergoes renovations.
The Phoenix City Council approved a $230 million to renovate the venue that is also being considered as a host venue for either the 2025 or 2026 Women’s Final Four. The city is putting up $80 million with the Phoenix Suns shelling out $150 million and agreeing to cover any cost overruns.
