PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury aren’t wasting time waiting for their season to turn around.
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May 24, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams (23) looks for a play against Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) during the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
After opening the year with a 2-7 record, the Mercury made the move to waive Kiana Williams on Sunday, creating an open roster spot as the club looks for ways to spark a turnaround. The decision wasn’t easy, according to head coach Nate Tibbetts.
“Kiana, that one was tough,” Tibbetts said Sunday after practice, according to Hayden Cilley. “Kiana’s been a really good part of our team here the last year and a half. Someone that I think a lot of as a person and a player. I think when you’re not winning, there’s moves that you’re going to make.”
Nate Tibbetts on the Mercury waiving Kiana Williams to @jeffmetcalfe
“Kiana, that one was tough. Kiana’s been a really good part of our team here, the last year and a half. Someone that I think a lot of as a person and a player. I think when you’re not winning, there’s moves… pic.twitter.com/EdKkt8tMt5
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) May 31, 2026
Williams was one of the feel-good stories of training camp and the preseason, earning praise for her playmaking, scoring punch and steady presence in the backcourt. Her strong preseason performances included a 16-point outing against the Chicago Sky and made it seem like she could carve out a role for herself once the regular season began.
Beyond her preseason performance, there was also familiarity.
Williams spent part of last season with Phoenix and remained with the club during its run to the WNBA Finals, giving her an understanding of the team’s culture and expectations.
May 15, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams (23) drives against the Chicago Sky in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Even with that familiarity and a strong preseason, opportunity became harder to find once guard Monique Akoa Makani returned to the lineup. With a key piece back in the Mercury backcourt, Williams saw her minutes shrink and her role become more limited.
The move reflects the urgency surrounding Phoenix’s early-season struggles. Rather than waiting to see whether the current roster would eventually click, Phoenix instead created flexibility now. An open roster spot gives the Mercury options, whether that’s adding depth or pursuing a specific skill set.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams (23) celebrates her 3-pointer against the Minnesota Lynx at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on May 12, 2026.
At 2-7, Phoenix isn’t out of contention just yet, but the margin for error begins to narrow after every game. The Mercury’s decision to part ways with Williams sends a clear message: The organization is looking for solutions now before a difficult start becomes a season-defining problem.
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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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