PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren’s name is circulating in the basketball world as NBA teams continue searching for front-office talent.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U’ren, who worked for the Warriors before his move to the WNBA, have emerged as names to watch in Philadelphia’s front office search, @TheSteinLine has learned.
Adding to our existing Philly coverage: https://t.co/IeKQIysC5v https://t.co/DQLg5rWRq8
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 18, 2026
According to NBA correspondent Marc Stein, U’Ren has emerged as a name to watch as the Philadelphia 76ers look to reshape their front office. With experience in both the WNBA and NBA —Â most notably with the Golden State Warriors — the general manager is now being considered for a new position on the East Coast.
Phoenix Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren speaks during media day at Footprint Center in Phoenix on May 9, 2024.
Since arriving in Phoenix in 2023, U’Ren has overseen a dramatic reshaping of the Mercury. Hired directly from the Golden State organization, he inherited a franchise in transition and quickly modernized the front office approach.
The Mercury aggressively rebuilt the roster, made blockbuster trades and returned to contender status, culminating in a run to the WNBA Finals that elevated U’Ren’s profile across professional basketball.
New Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses with general manager Nick U’Ren at a news conference at the Phoenix Mercury’s practice facility on Feb. 25, 2025.
Before landing in the Valley, U’Ren spent nearly a decade with the Warriors, where he worked closely with former general manager Bob Myers and coach Steve Kerr during Golden State’s championship era. He also previously worked for the Suns and Mercury as a video coordinator early in his career.
U’Ren’s connection to Myers, who now helps oversee the 76ers’ search process, naturally links him to the opening. Combined with his success in Phoenix, it makes the general manager a logical candidate for a franchise looking for a fresh front office voice.
General manager Nick U’Ren takes questions from reporters at Phoenix Mercury Media Day on April 30, 2025, in Phoenix. © Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The interest also carries significance for Phoenix. It signals that the Mercury are recognized as one of the WNBA’s most progressive operations, while highlighting that one of the architects behind the franchise’s turnaround could soon become a target for NBA teams seeking new leadership.
For now, though, U’Ren remains one of the key figures behind the Mercury’s resurgence as the organization continues building toward another championship run.
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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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