Phoenix Mercury grant Kalani Brown buyout as roster shift continues

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Sep 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) against the Los Angeles Sparks during a WNBA game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury and center Kalani Brown are parting ways, agreeing to a contract buyout ahead of the 2026 season.

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According to ICYMIwithKW on X, the former first-round pick will become an unrestricted free agent as she ends her one-year tenure in the Valley. She was acquired from the Dallas Wings before the 2025 season in a four-team trade to add size and defense to the Mercury.

The move gives Phoenix immediate roster flexibility, as the team has been balancing frontcourt depth with a need for mobility and spacing as the league trends toward a faster style of play. Moving on from Brown gives the Mercury a chance to add a player who better fits that style after being unable to move her for draft picks.

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Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) and Kalani Brown (21) celebrate a basket against the Lynx at PHX Arena in Phoenix, on May 30, 2025.

Brown played a pivotal role for Phoenix in the first half of last season as the club battled injuries to several of its stars. However, her minutes decreased in the second half as the Mercury prepared for a deep postseason run.

She averaged 5.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 12.8 minutes per game.

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Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) warms up before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Many fans argued Brown deserved more playing time because of her size and immediate impact. She ultimately saw minutes during the WNBA Finals after Satou Sabally was injured with a concussion in the series.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde​

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