Marta Suárez Signs Second 7‑Day Deal with Phoenix Mercury

From Draft Night to Phoenix

Seattle selected Marta Suárez 16th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, but she never reported to the Storm. Golden State orchestrated a surprise swap on draft night, sending its eighth pick, Flau’Jae Johnson, to Seattle for Suárez and a 2028 second‑round selection. General manager Ohemaa Nyanin later confirmed the trade, saying the club wanted a player with high basketball IQ and strong character. The deal set the stage for Suárez’s brief stints with different franchises before her current stint in the desert.

Back‑to‑Back Seven‑Day Stints

Phoenix first added Suárez to its roster on May 6 with a developmental contract, hoping the forward’s NCAA pedigree would translate to the professional level. After that agreement ended, the Mercury signed her to a seven‑day contract on July 9, only to release her on July 16. Just a day later, on Friday, July 17, the team handed Suárez a second seven‑day deal, giving her another short‑term chance to earn a longer spot.

Golden State’s Bold Trade

The trade that brought Suárez to Golden State also cost Seattle a promising rookie in Flau’Jae Johnson. Nyanin described the decision as a calculated move to bolster the roster with a player who “has a very high basketball IQ” and “high character.” Johnson, meanwhile, moved to Seattle and has since become a key part of the Storm’s rotation, showing how quickly draft assets can change hands.

GM Ohemaa Nyanin’s Take

When questioned about the acquisition, Nyanin admitted she was “exhausted” and wanted to be “thoughtful when I’m talking about other humans and their basketball abilities.” Yet she praised Suárez, calling her “fierce,” “fearless,” and a “great fit.” The GM’s endorsement highlights Phoenix’s willingness to gamble on players who demonstrate both skill and character, even if only for a brief evaluation period.

Suárez’s College Breakthrough

Before joining the WNBA, Suárez shined at TCU during the 2025‑2026 season, earning All‑Big 12 honors after a breakout campaign. Her performance caught the eye of scouts, leading Seattle to select her in the first round. The league quickly recognized her potential, with analysts noting her tenacity and basketball awareness as assets for any team.

What This Means for Phoenix

A second seven‑day contract typically serves as an extended evaluation window for GMs to assess a player’s on‑court impact and locker‑room fit before deciding on a longer agreement. For the Mercury, this period will help determine if Suárez can contribute beyond the bench and provide depth for a squad that competes for playoff positioning. If the forward continues to impress, a one‑year contract could follow, solidifying her place in Phoenix’s long‑term plans.