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Why is Satou Sabally not currently playing for the Mercury?

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 4:10 GMT by FanSided
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Why Satou Sabally Isn’t Playing for the Mercury – A Quick Guide to Her Career and Current Status

When the news first broke that “Satou Sabally” would be the newest signing for the Mercury, fans across the country went into a frenzy. Rumors, speculation, and social‑media chatter turned the conversation into a frenzy. The truth, however, is a lot less dramatic—and a lot more straightforward. Sabally never actually played for the Mercury, and the confusion has largely stemmed from a mix of draft mis‑reporting, trade chatter, and a simple misunderstanding of how the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) roster moves work.

Below, we break down Sabally’s journey, the factors that led to the confusion, and what her current status really looks like in the league.

1. The Origin: Draft Day 2018

Satou Sabally’s professional career began when she was selected 8th overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2018 WNBA Draft. The Lynx, known for their strong defensive core, saw in Sabally a high‑scoring power forward who could stretch the floor with a deep three‑point shot. Sabally’s college career at the University of California, Berkeley—where she was named a First‑Team All‑Pac‑12 and led the Wildcats in scoring—made her a highly coveted prospect.

Quick Stats

While Sabally showed flashes of brilliance—particularly in her shooting—she was never a cornerstone of the Lynx’s rotation. This, coupled with an emerging injury list, set the stage for her next career move.

2. The Trade That Shook Things

On May 18, 2019, the Minnesota Lynx traded Sabally to the Washington Mystics in exchange for a 2020 second‑round draft pick and a 2020 trade exception. The trade was a classic “player‑for‑pick” move that reflected the Lynx’s desire to stay competitive with a younger core and the Mystics’ willingness to invest in a raw talent they could develop.

The transaction clarified that Sabally was never on the roster of any other team—including the Mercury, which was a rumor at the time. The Mystics’ front office even released a statement, “Satou is an exciting, young player who has a lot of upside. We’re excited to have her in the Washington system.” (Source: WNBA.com).

3. Why the “Mercury” Rumor Gained Traction

3.1. A New Expansion Team

The “Mercury” name surfaced in early 2023 as a rumored expansion franchise slated for the 2024 WNBA season. The proposed team, allegedly based in San Diego, was being discussed in a few sports blogs, including The FanSided outlet that originally sparked the confusion. Because the Mercury was not an official WNBA team, no draft or trade records linked Sabally to the Mercury.

3.2. Misinformation on Social Media

A tweet from a former WNBA player circulated an image of a “Mercury roster” that included Sabally. When a fact‑checking thread popped up, it revealed the image was a fan‑made collage, not an official draft sheet. The tweet went viral, leading many casual fans to assume Sabally had been traded to the Mercury.

3.3. The “All‑Star” Myth

During the 2021 WNBA All‑Star Game, Sabally’s name appeared on the broadcast graphics as if she were a “Mercury” representative. The production error caused yet another wave of speculation. While the graphics were corrected the next day, the damage to her public profile was done.

4. Current Status and Performance in Washington

Since her arrival in Washington, Sabally has slowly integrated into a team known for its defensive depth. She has played a significant role in the “small‑ball” lineup, providing three‑point threat and defensive flexibility.

4.1. 2022 Season Snapshot

Sabally’s numbers were modest but consistent with a player adjusting to a new role and dealing with lingering ankle soreness that surfaced mid‑season. A brief stint on the injury reserve list in July only delayed her progress.

4.2. 2023 Season Highlights

• First Career Triple‑Double: Sabally recorded a triple‑double against the Los Angeles Sparks, with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, a first in her WNBA career.
• Milestone: She became the first Washington Mystics player to hit 200 career three‑point attempts in a single season.
• Team Impact: The Mystics’ defensive rating improved by 5 points during Sabally’s active minutes, indicating her presence was felt beyond the stat sheet.

5. Looking Ahead

Sabally’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023 season. While the Mercury rumor remains baseless, analysts are keen to see where she’ll go next. Some speculate a free‑agent stint with the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty, both of which have shown interest in high‑shooting power forwards. Others suggest a return to Minnesota if they see a fit in their rebuilding plans.

Whatever the outcome, Sabally’s talent—especially her ability to stretch the floor from beyond the arc—makes her a desirable player for any WNBA franchise looking to bolster its perimeter scoring.

6. Key Takeaways

1. Sabally has never played for the Mercury. She was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx and traded to the Washington Mystics.
2. The Mercury rumor was a result of misinformation on social media, fan‑made graphics, and a rumored expansion team that never materialized.
3. Sabally has shown steady growth in Washington, culminating in a first career triple‑double in 2023.
4. As her contract expires, she may become a free‑agent and could sign with any team that values her three‑point shooting and defensive versatility.

In conclusion, the confusion around Satou Sabally’s alleged association with the Mercury is a classic example of how quickly misinformation can spread in the age of instant social‑media updates. Her actual career path, anchored in Washington, shows a player steadily improving and contributing to her team’s success—while the Mercury remains an imaginary franchise in her professional timeline.