Phoenix— Before winning a record sixth gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi declared “the end is closer than the beginning” in July.
Taurasi indicated she would retire after the Paris Games, but her Phoenix Mercury future is questionable. The Mercury's social media team mistakenly excited Phoenix supporters by posting Taurasi's retirement possibilities on Thursday.
“If this is it... there are two more home games to see the greatest shooter in league history take the court,” the Mercury said. Also on their graphic: "Thank you for the shots we knew were going in before they left your hand."
The Mercury's 2014 WNBA champions celebrated their 10-year anniversary Friday at Phoenix's Footprint Center. Mercury had a ceremony after losing 88-69 to Connecticut Sun.
"To be here 10 years later with you guys, it's like a sisterhood," said Taurasi, who scored seven Friday. We will always hang on to this trophy, this city and this team. Please don't repeat it."
There was Leo and Isla, Taurasi and Taylor’s little ones, happily announcing their retirement, right? wrong. "Let's do it again," Taurasi concluded without mentioning retirement.
After this season, Taurasi, who signed a two-year deal with the Mercury in February 2023, will become a free agent. Taurasi previously indicated she preferred a quiet goodbye to a tour.
“I’ll let you guys know when I’m done because you’re not gonna see me anymore,” Taurasi said ESPN in 2022. After playing, I will stop. I'll be going soon. If I’m terrible, I won’t play. I say "Hmm, that's all" in winter exercise.
Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle are the Mercury's regular-season opponents on Sept. 14. 15, 17 and 19. Phoenix is a 7 playoff seed.