Satou Sabally landing spots: Will WNBA star join sister in Toronto as free agent?
· Yahoo Sports
Satou Sabally's time in the desert has come to a close.
The three-time WNBA All-Star confirmed she won't re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury by way of an Instagram post on Wednesday during WNBA free agency, effectively ending her tenure in Phoenix after one season.
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"My best year yet. Thank you, Phoenix," Sabally wrote in a goodbye message.
Sabally helped lead the Mercury to the 2025 WNBA Finals alongside Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, but her season was cut short after suffering a concussion in Game 3 of the Finals. Sabally started 39 games for Phoenix, averaging 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game on 40.4% shooting from the field.
Sabally is now set to join her third team in as many seasons, but where will the 2023 Most Improved Player land? USA TODAY Sports rounded up the best destinations for Sabally as WNBA free agency continues:
Toronto Tempo
If you are looking to build a franchise around a cornerstone player, look no further than "The Unicorn." Sabally, a versatile big with a skillset similar to a guard, can score at all three levels. The 6-foot-4 forward operated primarily behind Thomas and Copper in Phoenix and her scoring (16.3) took a dip as a result, but her 2023 All-Star season in Dallas showed Sabally can be the centerpiece of a team's offense. Sabally's younger sister, Nyara Sabally, was selected by the Tempo in the expansion draft, offering Sabally the unique opportunity to play with her sister in the WNBA for the first time in their careers. The Sabally sisters play on the German national team together. Sabally also played alongside Marina Mabrey in Unrivaled in 2025.
Portland Fire
The same reasonings can be said about the Portland Fire, who are looking to build a competitive roster in their inaugural season after the Golden State Valkyries reset expectations for expansion teams. Sabally was part of a Big 3 in Phoenix, but her departure likely signals she wants to be the No. 1 option (and sign a subsequent maximum contract). The Fire extended a core qualifying offer to Bridget Carleton, who's used to playing alongside a dominant forward in Napheesa Collier, and have the cap space to lure Sabally in.
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State set a WNBA record for the most wins by an expansion team in its inaugural season, thanks to its one-two punch from Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton. Burton is returning to Golden State after the Valkyries extended a qualifying offer, but Thornton's future isn't known. Sabally could easily slide into the lineup and benefit from a system that led to Thornton's resurgent season before injury. The Valkyries led the league in made 3-pointers last season and Sabally's ability to stretch the floor pairs well with coach Natalie Nakase's brand of basketball. Sabally is averaging 33.1% from behind the 3-point line throughout her career.
Seattle Storm
The Storm extended a core qualifying offer to Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga will return on her rookie contract, but Nneka Ogwumike's future with the team is up in the air as she meets with other teams. If the Storm aren't able to keep Ogwumike on their roster, Seattle can find similar athleticism in Sabally. Sabally can drive to the basket, hit a midrange shot or connect from the 3-point line, while also contributing on the glass.
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at [email protected] and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Satou Sabally landing spots in WNBA free agency: Reunion with sister?