INDIANAPOLIS – The Phoenix Mercury went through a whirlwind this past offseason. The franchise lost cornerstone pieces like Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi while gaining All-Stars like Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas to replace them. A lot of marquee names leaving and joining the Mercury, but a fan favorite who departed from Phoenix was guard Sophie Cunningham, who was a part of the four-team trade involving Sabally.
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Aug 5, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) puts up a layup against the Seattle Storm during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Cunningham was drafted by Phoenix back in 2019 and spent her entire six-year career in the Valley. In 182 games, she averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. The 28-year-old stellar on-the-court shooting and bubbly personality off of it gravitated towards massive fan support in Phoenix.
On Tuesday, Cunningham talked to the media for the first time since the trade and reflected on her time on the Mercury and her reaction to the trade.
Indiana Fever President of Basketball and Business Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, and Indiana Fever COO and General Manager, Amber Cox, introduced guard Sophie Cunningham to the media on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
Cunningham’s reaction to leaving the Mercury:
“I think it’s refreshing. I’ve been in Phoenix for the past six years. I was drafted out there. I’ve had a really great time, been very blessed with being around a lot of the goats in the game and learning the game on another level,” Cunningham said. “I’m stoked, like I said, [Fever]’s offense is more my style, but I’m also surrounded by a great culture and people, and that’s what I’m also very excited about to be here in Indiana.”
Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) celebrates with Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) and Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) after hitting an and-one on a lay up on Aug. 18, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Cunningham was poolside when she first heard about the trade, and her initial reaction was, “Heck yeah.” The 28-year-old is from Missouri and is happy to be back home in the Midwest and playing in a new system that will benefit her playing style. She is grateful to grow up in a system with Hall of Famers like Griner and Taurasi to help her grow as a player and will try to do it with star teammate Caitlan Clark.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rushes up the court against Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
Clark has changed the game “in the best possible way,” according to Cunningham. She compared themselves to Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. If the duo could be as successful as the pop singers are in the world on the court, the Fever will be an electric team to watch this season.
Ring of Honor member Bridget Pettis attends Valley Suns’ Phoenix Mercury night
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
