Mercury lose surprise rookie sensation as contract is temporarily suspended originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Phoenix Mercury have been one of the biggest surprises in the WNBA this season, and rookie guard Jovana Nogic has been a major reason why. Now, the Mercury suddenly find themselves without one of their most productive players.
Phoenix announced that Nogic’s contract has been temporarily suspended, creating uncertainty around the immediate future of one of the league’s breakout rookies. The move came one day after Nogic was absent from the Mercury’s victory over the Seattle Storm. While the team has not provided a timeline for her return, the development leaves a significant hole in Phoenix’s rotation as the Mercury continue their push up the standings.
From overseas veteran to instant WNBA impact
Although technically a rookie, Nogic arrived in the WNBA with years of professional experience overseas. The sharpshooting guard quickly proved she belonged. Through her first 16 games, Nogic averaged 10.4 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest while emerging as one of Phoenix’s most reliable offensive options. Only Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas have scored more points for the Mercury this season.
Nogic wasted little time making an impression.She scored 19 points in Phoenix’s season-opening win over the Las Vegas Aces and followed that performance less than a week later with a stunning 27-point outing against the Chicago Sky. That game made WNBA history, as Nogic set the record for the most points ever scored by an undrafted rookie in a single game.
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Mercury reveal roster move
Nogic did not suit up for Saturday’s matchup against Seattle. Before the game, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts told reporters that the rookie was away from the team for personal reasons. The following day, the WNBA transaction wire revealed that Nogic’s contract had been temporarily suspended.
The move allows Phoenix to open a roster spot while she remains away from the team. Her salary will continue to count against the salary cap, but the Mercury now have flexibility to add another player if necessary.
A difficult void to fill
Replacing Nogic’s production won’t be easy. Her ability to stretch defenses, knock down perimeter shots and provide instant offense helped transform the Mercury’s second unit and gave Phoenix another scoring threat alongside Copper and Thomas.
For a team with championship aspirations, depth matters, especially during the long WNBA season. Until more information becomes available, the Mercury will have to find ways to replace one of the most surprising success stories of the 2026 season.
And for fans around the league, the biggest question remains simple: when will Jovana Nogic be back on the court?
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