Skylar Diggins-Smith, the veteran WNBA guard, publicly voiced frustrations regarding her tenure with the Phoenix Mercury during the 2023 season, specifically highlighting a lack of communication from the organization. Following her departure from the team, Diggins-Smith utilized social media to address her isolation from the franchise, noting she had not spoken with the organization’s leadership for months prior to her exit.
Why did the relationship between Diggins-Smith and the Mercury deteriorate?
The tension between Diggins-Smith and the Phoenix Mercury reached a public breaking point during the 2023 season, a year in which she remained sidelined while on maternity leave. According to ESPN, the six-time All-Star revealed on social media that she had been barred from using the team’s practice facility, massage therapists, and other resources during her leave.
Diggins-Smith’s comments came in response to a fan’s question on Instagram regarding her absence from the team. She stated, "They’re not gonna acknowledge me this year and I won’t be in Phoenix," emphasizing that her communication with the organization had effectively ceased. The Mercury organization, at the time, declined to comment on the specifics of the player’s claims, citing privacy regarding internal personnel matters.
What was the impact of the 2023 season on her career?
Diggins-Smith sat out the entire 2023 WNBA season after giving birth to her second child. The situation was further complicated by her status as an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2024 offseason. Her public airing of grievances followed a 2022 campaign where she played 30 games for Phoenix, averaging 19.7 points per contest, but was notably benched late in the season during a period of team instability.
The friction was compounded by the team’s broader struggle during that period. The Mercury underwent a significant coaching change, moving on from Vanessa Nygaard, and dealt with the prolonged absence of Brittney Griner during the 2022 season. According to The Athletic, the disconnect between the star player and the front office became a major narrative during a season where the team finished with one of the worst records in the league.
How did the situation resolve?
The standoff concluded in February 2024 when Diggins-Smith signed a multi-year contract with the Seattle Storm. The move marked a fresh start for the veteran guard, who sought to rejoin a competitive roster alongside Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike.
Key Developments in the Diggins-Smith Departure
- Maternity Leave: Diggins-Smith missed the 2023 season following the birth of her child.
- Facility Access: The player alleged she was denied access to team facilities and staff during her leave.
- Communication Breakdown: Diggins-Smith stated publicly that she had not spoken to the Mercury front office for several months leading up to her free agency.
- Free Agency: She officially joined the Seattle Storm in February 2024, ending her tenure in Phoenix.
By moving to Seattle, Diggins-Smith transitioned into a new system, leaving the public disputes of the 2023 season behind. Her signing was part of a major roster overhaul for the Storm, aiming to return the franchise to championship contention.