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Mercury Freeze Jovana Nogić’s WNBA Contract for Rest of Season

Her move to play in Russia as she prepares to lead Serbia in EuroBasket 2027 qualifying leaves her salary on Phoenix’s cap and limits the team’s ability to sign a high‑pay replacement.

Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) celebrates her 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on June 17, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Phoenix Mercury placed guard Jovana Nogić on a temporary contract freeze for the rest of the 2026 WNBA season so she can play in Russia and prepare to lead the Serbian national team in EuroBasket 2027 qualifying.
  • Nogić has been a key rookie contributor for Phoenix, averaging about 10.4 points per game and ranking third on the team in scoring, which makes her midseason absence a meaningful loss of scoring and floor spacing.
  • Under the WNBA contract freeze rules the team is holding Nogić’s roster spot while her salary continues to count against the Mercury’s cap, which reduces flexibility to sign a high‑salary replacement.
  • Phoenix has responded by turning to internal depth, re‑signing guard Shay Ciezki to a developmental contract and deploying existing backups to cover Nogić’s minutes as the team manages other player absences.
  • The suspension creates short‑term continuity and competitive challenges for the Mercury and could affect their playoff push, while Nogić is expected to be eligible to rejoin Phoenix for the 2027 season.