PHOENIX — Jovana Nogić’s departure from the Phoenix Mercury has taken another turn after her agent denied an earlier report about why the rookie guard left the club.
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May 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) drives on the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
An initial report from Sport Klub’s Marko Vlahović after Nogić’s contract was suspended indicated that the rookie guard would take the summer off to prepare for overseas commitments with UMMC Ekaterinburg and the Serbian national team. However, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Nogić’s agent, Boris Lelchitski of Sports International Group, denies that report.
Lelchitski confirmed that the goal is for the rookie to be ready to play with the Mercury when the 2027 season begins.
Phoenix Mercury star rookie Jovana Nogić will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to personal reasons.
Nogić’s agent refuted a report that she’s leaving because of Ekat/Serbian national team duties.
Goal is for Nogić to return to Phoenix in 2027.https://t.co/Y95Vm6PdyT
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) June 29, 2026
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) looks at the bench during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nogić was one of Phoenix’s most dynamic shooters after signing with the club as an undrafted rookie. She averaged 10.4 points while shooting 42.1% from 3-point range in 16 games, ranking as the team’s third-leading scorer.
Her departure further thins Phoenix’s rotation. On Monday, the Mercury also confirmed that center Natasha Mack will miss two to four weeks with a bone bruise. Guard Monique Akoa Makani has missed the last few games with a left hamstring injury, and Sami Whitcomb has yet to play this season after undergoing left knee arthroscopy.
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) drives against Sparks guard Jihyun Park (6) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on June 13, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Losing another shooter will force Phoenix to find a way to replace that production, as Nogić’s roster spot is now available for the club to sign another player.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Phoenix Mercury confirm Jovana Nogić won’t return this season
