Three-time WNBA champion Diana Taurasi hinted that the final chapter of her 20-year career in the league is approaching while speaking to reporters following the Phoenix Mercury’s 85-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night.
Taurasi, a Los Angeles native, didn’t elaborate when a reporter asked her if this was a “fun way to possibly play her last game in LA.” She replied that she’s had “so many great memories” of her hometown over the years.
But when another reporter asked Taurasi if she was sure this was the end of her WNBA career, the Mercury star gave a more thoughtful answer.
“You know, I don’t know,” Taurasi said. “The last few weeks have been a little nerve-wracking for me. I don’t want to make any emotional, hasty decisions. I know the end is near. When that will be, I don’t know.”
“I’ve always been a person who just focuses on what’s next. And that’s training tomorrow and then Seattle on Thursday. When the season is over, I’ll reflect and get advice from the people who are dear to me and who have been with me from day one. You never know, but who knows.”
The Mercury sparked rumors of his retirement when the team hinted in a post on its X-Account (formerly Twitter) on Thursday that the final two home games could be the last of Taurasi’s career.
“If it is, you have two more opportunities to see the greatest of all time at home,” the team wrote.
Taurasi, 42, has rarely commented on the end of her career, but said in an interview with ESPN in 2022, “If I’m bad, I won’t play.”
“I’ll let you know when I’m done, because you’re never going to see me again,” Taurasi said. “When I’m done playing, I’ll just stop playing. I’m not going to take time off. I want to play, and if I’m not good, I’m not going to play. Trust me, I’ll be at those practices in the winter and say, ‘Hmm, that’s it.'”
Taurasi has averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 32.9 percent on three-pointers in 35 games for the Mercury, who clinched a playoff berth on Tuesday night. She was named an All-Star for the 11th time in July.
Taurasi signed a two-year contract in February 2023 to stay with Phoenix, where she has spent her entire career.
