Former WNBA first-round draft pick Marta Suarez is searching for a new home.
On Thursday, the Phoenix Mercury released Suarez. She spent more than a month with the organization after signing a developmental contract on May 6 and was later released from it on July 9. The same day (July 9), the team signed Suarez to a 7-day contract. On July 16, Suarez was released, according to the league’s transactions page.
Advertisement
The former Mercury forward’s journey in the league has been a winding one.
On May 2, the Golden State Valkyries waived Suarez. She was originally selected 16th overall by Seattle during the 2026 WNBA Draft. However, on draft night, Golden State made a surprising move when they traded their eighth overall pick, Flau’Jae Johnson, to the Storm for the draft rights to Suarez and a 2028 second-round pick.
Golden State general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said the club agreed to trade picks with Seattle ahead of the draft. Still, she largely sidestepped questions on draft night about trading Johnson and acquiring Suarez.
“I’m going to take a beat to be able to eloquently give a response. I don’t have a lot of details to share.” Nyanin said at the time. “One, because I’m exhausted. Two, because I want to be very thoughtful when I’m talking about other humans and their basketball abilities and how they would or would not show up for our squad.”
Advertisement
She did speak highly of Suarez, who had a breakout season at TCU during the 2025-2026 season and was named to the All-Big 12 team.
“Marta is fierce. She’s fearless,” Nyanin said. “She has a very high basketball IQ. Her high character is off the charts. … We felt like she would be a great fit.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former 2026 WNBA first-round pick Marta Suarez released amid winding year
