Former 7th overall pick agrees to buyout with Mercury

Kalani Brown parts ways with Phoenix after one season

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:09am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the strategic changes and roster moves the Phoenix Mercury are undertaking.The Mercury's roster overhaul signals a new era of strategic rebuilding as the team aims to reclaim its championship aspirations.Los Angeles Today

The Phoenix Mercury have parted ways with center Kalani Brown, the 7th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, after she agreed to a buyout. Brown played 29 games for the Mercury last season, averaging 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game off the bench. She is now an unrestricted free agent and could draw interest from teams looking to bolster their frontcourt.

Why it matters

The Mercury are undergoing roster changes after a WNBA Finals appearance last season, including the departure of top scorer Satou Sabally. Brown's exit is part of the team's efforts to reshape its roster ahead of the new campaign as they seek to bounce back from their Finals sweep.

The details

Kalani Brown was the 7th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. After stints with the Los Angeles Sparks, Atlanta Dream, and Dallas Wings, she joined the Mercury last season. In 29 games, she averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game off the bench. The Mercury have now agreed to a buyout with Brown, making her an unrestricted free agent. At 6-foot-7 with a physical presence, Brown could draw interest from teams looking to add size and energy to their frontcourt.

  • The Mercury selected Ines Pitarch-Granel and Eszter Ratkai in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday.
  • Kalani Brown agreed to a buyout with the Mercury ahead of the 2026 WNBA season.

The players

Kalani Brown

A 29-year-old center who was the 7th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. She has played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and most recently the Phoenix Mercury, where she averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game last season.

Satou Sabally

The Mercury's top scorer last season, who signed a three-year deal with the New York Liberty in free agency.

Alyssa Thomas

A key player for the Mercury who will be relied upon in the upcoming campaign.

Kahleah Copper

Another important piece of the Mercury's roster for the new season.

DeWanna Bonner

A veteran presence who will contribute to the Mercury's efforts to bounce back from their WNBA Finals sweep.

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What they’re saying

“Kalani Brown is now an unrestricted free agent.”

— Khristina Williams, Sports reporter

What’s next

The Mercury will look to rebound from their WNBA Finals sweep when the new season opens in May, relying on players like Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, and Sami Whitcomb to lead the way.

The takeaway

The departure of Kalani Brown is part of the Mercury's roster reshuffling as they aim to bounce back from their WNBA Finals sweep and remain a contender in the league. The team has added international talent in the draft but will need its core players to step up in the upcoming campaign.