When Satou Sabally wasn’t on the floor during Sunday’s Mercury-Sky matchup, fans knew something was brewing. The All-Star forward who leads the Phoenix Mercury in scoring and has become their go-to player was suddenly absent for “personal reasons.” Combined with her mysterious second-half benching in their previous game, this absence has sparked serious speculation about whether the former Dallas wing might already be eyeing the exit door.
Why Did Satou Sabally Miss Sunday’s Game Against Chicago?
The timing of Sabally’s absence feels particularly strange given what happened in Phoenix’s last game against the Atlanta Dream. Head coach Nate Tibbetts made the bold decision to bench her for the entire second half, later stating, “she didn’t bring the energy” when explaining his choice after the loss.
That comment immediately raised questions about the relationship between Sabally and Tibbets. Those concerns grew significantly when she failed to suit up for Sunday’s game in Chicago.
“This is a personal matter. She’s out for personal reasons,” said Tibbets on Sunday. “We support her through this time and are excited to get her back when she’s ready.”
“This is a personal matter. She’s out for personal reasons. We support her through this time and are excited to get her back when she’s ready.”
Nate Tibbetts, pregame, speaking to the status of Satou Sabally pic.twitter.com/ea8KoISkAV
— PHNX Mercury (@PHNX_Mercury) August 3, 2025
However, Tibbetts’ explanation hasn’t satisfied Mercury fans. Many believe this could signal the beginning of the end for Sabally’s time in Phoenix, despite her recent arrival in February 2025.
What Are Fans Saying About Sabally’s Future?
The reaction on social media has been swift and pointed. Fans immediately started connecting dots between Sabally’s situation and potential trade scenarios.
“Wants to be traded huh?” One fan commented on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Wants to be traded huh?
— Mel (@phinpitgili) August 3, 2025
Others started speculating about potential landing spots, with the Indiana Fever emerging as a popular destination. “Fever here she comes. Bri for Satou…” said one account.
Some fans viewed Tibbetts’ comments with skepticism. “Damage Control at its finest,” said another fan.
Damage Control at its finest
— Yung DLo (@DLoThaReal) August 3, 2025
Meanwhile, others questioned why the team didn’t simply call it what many suspected it really was. “Just say you suspended her one game for lack of effort last game,” posted a fan.
How Does DeWanna Bonner’s Situation Compare to Sabally’s?
Several WNBA fans noticed striking parallels between Sabally’s current situation and what happened with DeWanna Bonner earlier this season. The comparison has only fueled more speculation about what might be happening behind the scenes in Phoenix.
Bonner signed with the Indiana Fever in February, but after struggling to find her rhythm (starting just three of her first nine games), she was sidelined during the second half of June due to “personal reasons.” Shortly after that absence, the Fever waived the veteran forward, and she eventually returned to Phoenix, where she had spent 11 seasons.
“That’s what they said about Bonner before she quit…hmmm,” said a fan.
That’s what they said about Bonner before she quit … hmmm…
— Pissed Off American (@WeaselClause) August 4, 2025
“Maybe that’s code for she’s being traded. Kinda sounds like what we heard from Dontwanna Bonner,” commented another fan.
For Phoenix, losing Sabally would be devastating to their current campaign. She leads the team in scoring with 17.2 points per game while also contributing 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. Her production has been crucial to Mercury’s success this season.
The timing couldn’t be worse for potential internal drama. Tibbetts has guided the Mercury to a solid 17-11 record, putting them fourth in the standings. Phoenix appears well-positioned to secure one of the eight playoff spots. Any disruption to their core rotation could jeopardize those postseason hopes.
