Phoenix Mercury has granted Jovana Nogic a temporary freeze on her WNBA contract for the remainder of the season. Nogic requested the freeze on the grounds of ‘Personal Reasons’ and is reportedly going to play internationally.

Her position in the squad will remain available to her when she returns and re-establishes her contract next year. While you may think why the Mercury would be willing to let a player go mid-season, it’s because the team can add a replacement for her.

However, her salary will still count against the salary cap requirements, meaning any replacement is unlikely to be a marquee signing commanding higher wages. Meanwhile, Nogic will reportedly play in Russia later this year.

As per WNBA reporter Aya Abdeen, she will “rest this summer and continue her career in Russia during a season in which she is expected to lead the Serbian national team in the qualifiers for EuroBasket 2027.”

Though 28, she is still technically a rookie. Her experience playing in the European leagues benefited Mercury. The fact that they have allowed this freeze and are willing to hold her spot is an indication of the potential they see in her.

Nogic was actually third on the Mercury team when it came to scoring. She was averaging a solid 10.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.6 steals per game. She has averaged only 20.2 minutes per game, but boasts a usage rate of 21.4 with an offensive rating of 106.3.

It will be interesting to see who the Mercury signs as Nogic’s replacement, if they sign anyone at all. Things are looking shaky for this Mercury team right now.

Phoenix Mercury are having far from a smooth season

The Mercury’s star player, Alyssa Thomas, earned a Flagrant Foul 2 from the league, which means she was suspended for a match and had to pay a $1000 fine for her hit on Caitlin Clark on June 24.

Thomas served her suspension on June 27 against the Toronto Tempo, and her team won 89-80. It was a crucial victory as it was only the second time this season the Phoenix Mercury have been able to string two wins together.

The last time they won two consecutive games this season, it was followed by a five-game slide. In fact, the Mercury have lost almost twice as many games as they won, with a 7-13 record.

Monique Akoz Makani is on a day-to-day status. Now, Jovana Nogic, their third-best scorer, who also provided almost 15% of the team’s assists, won’t play for the rest of the season. However, after their latest win against the Tempo, coach Tibbetts remains hopeful.

“Just playing with passion and playing with force,” said the coach. “We didn’t look scared today. All of these games are opportunities for us to get better as a group. I think they’re starting to see we’re trending in the right direction.”

So far, the Mercury hasn’t looked like a team that made the playoffs last season. Whether the team has enough time to do that again remains to be seen.