‘Big 3’ leads returners for Phoenix Mercury’s 2021 WNBA season roster

The Phoenix Mercury announced their final roster on Thursday as the team prepares for the start of the 2021 WNBA regular season.

The three-time WNBA champions will be led by guard Diana Taurasi, center Brittney Griner and guard Skylar Diggins-Smith will tip-off their 2021 season against the Lynx in Minnesota on Friday.

Along with Phoenix’s Big 3, the Mercury have several players returning including forward Brianna Turner, guard Sophie Cunningham, forward Alanna Smith, guard Shey Peddy, guard Bria Hartley and center Kia Vaughn.

The Mercury also made some offseason acquisitions, as Phoenix traded for 2019 All-Star guard Kia Nurse and 2020 No. 9 overall pick Megan Walker in exchange for the No. 6 pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft and a 2022 first-rounder.

However, the team has temporarily suspended Vaughn, as she is currently overseas but will rejoin her teammates after clearing COVID protocols.

Additionally, forward Cierra Burdick was signed to a hardship roster spot for Hartley, who is still dealing with a knee injury she sustained last season with Phoenix.

Burdick will join the Mercury in Minnesota for the season opener on Friday night.

Below is the Mercury’s full roster for the 2021 WNBA season:

Guards: Sophie Cunningham, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Bria Hartley, Kia Nurse, Shey Peddy and Diana Taurasi

Forwards: Cierra Burdick (hardship), Alanna Smith, Brianna Turner and Megan Walker

Centers: Brittney Griner and Kia Vaughn