PHOENIX — Just one year ago, Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper used the word “paradise” to describe the organization.
This year, she reflected on those remarks and explained that the word was not necessarily about a place, but the people she has surrounded herself with since coming to the Valley.
Sep 6, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; the Phoenix Mercury bench reacts after a three point basket by guard Kahleah Copper (2) against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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The veteran guard arrived in Phoenix ahead of the 2024 season following a trade from the Chicago Sky and immediately became one of the franchise’s centerpiece players. She averaged a career-best scoring mark (21.1 points) in her first season and quickly emerged as an offensive force and fan favorite.
This offseason, after approval of the WNBA’s newest and historic CBA, Copper recommitted to Phoenix by signing a two-year extension. Her decision provided stability for a franchise continuing to build around veteran leadership after reaching the WNBA Finals just one season ago.
“I think it’s the people,” Copper said. “… Every single person who is a part of this organization is special. I think it’s not always like this is a great place, but it is most definitely the people, the relationships that you’ve built when I’ve been here.”
The Phoenix Mercury huddle up before their WNBA Finals game against Las Vegas Aces at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Beyond the stats and strategies, Copper’s comments offer insight into something teams across all sports chase: player buy-in. In an era when stars often move between franchises for better opportunities, Copper publicly embracing the people she works with daily signals confidence in the direction Phoenix is heading.
It also reinforces the importance of continuity for the Mercury as the team navigates a new chapter without several key pieces from the 2025 roster. Keeping a proven All-Star who has built connections with players, staff and fans provides exactly that.
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Kahleah Copper (2) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at PHX Arena Jun 29, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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For Copper, the decision ultimately came down to something beyond contracts or roster construction when deciding to stay in the Valley: the people who make Phoenix feel like home.
“They’re special, and it made it an easy choice.”
