PHOENIX — As the Phoenix Mercury continue searching for stability in the early part of the season, some fans are looking toward a familiar name to help.
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May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Tempo guard Lexi Held (12) against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Support is growing online for guard Lexi Held to return to Phoenix after she was waived by the Toronto Tempo on Thursday, ending a brief stint that began with promise before her role diminished as the season progressed.
Held was selected by the Tempo in the WNBA expansion draft ahead of the preseason, sending one of the Mercury’s more productive first-half players to Canada. There, she played in both of the club’s preseason games, including a 21-point performance while shooting 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.
May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Tempo guard Lexi Held (12) against Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That performance, along with her perimeter defense, earned her a roster spot with Toronto. However, as the regular season began, Held’s minutes declined and she was unable to replicate that scoring output.
Now, fans are hoping Phoenix makes the call and brings back another of its 2025 players as the team deals with its own instability.
The Mercury should absolutely jump on this https://t.co/ptUtJF082O
— . (@Nefe_ig) May 28, 2026
@PhoenixMercury DO IT❗❗ https://t.co/pR9AaCsqHt
— Bonnet Down,Legs Up (@robinson_m24814) May 28, 2026
@PhoenixMercury GO GET OUR GIRL BACK!!!!!!! https://t.co/JYnGGo0h57
— Drea ✨💣 (@adoseofdrea_) May 28, 2026
phx bring her back to me! https://t.co/AtUpnQnJdi
— optimism central (@slingshotbra) May 28, 2026
During her time with the Mercury, Held averaged 5.3 points through 32 games, and her contributions while key players were out with injuries early in the season helped establish her role in the rotation. Her minutes later decreased, mainly due to recovery from a collapsed lung midway through the season, but her shooting ability and commitment to the defensive identity the club emphasized made her a valued piece.
Fans advocating for Held’s return point to a player already familiar with the organization who could provide backcourt depth without a long adjustment period.
Jul 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (1) drives on Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (0) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Mercury are off to a 2-6 start and are on a four-game losing streak, still searching for consistency and identity early in the season. Adding a player with previous system experience is part of what supporters believe could help stabilize the roster.
The discussion around Held’s potential return has become centered on experience, familiarity and depth, as fans view her as a possible fit for a team trying to steady its season.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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