The Phoenix Mercury’s frontcourt will be spread thin in their upcoming games. This is after center Kyara Linskens parted ways with the team to join Belgium for the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Linskens’ departure comes after the Mercury parted ways with veteran forward DeWanna Bonner on Monday. The six-time All-Star left the team after mutually agreeing to a contract buyout.
Phoenix has officially been eliminated from playoff contention. Bonner, 39, reportedly signed with the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday, as she hopes to win a third career WNBA title in what could potentially be her final season before retirement.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
On Wednesday, the Mercury “temporarily suspended” Linskens’ contract as she heads to Berlin, Germany, with the national squad. She will miss Phoenix’s next two games against the Washington Mystics and the Toronto Tempo on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
The FIBA Women’s World Cup will take place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 12. The WNBA will be on break from Aug. 31 to Sept. 17. Linskens is expected to return after the tournament, at which point the Mercury will reinstate her contract.
Linskens has made 19 appearances for Phoenix this season. She is averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in 10.6 minutes off the bench.
On Tuesday, the Mercury announced the signing of rookie guard Saylor Poffenbarger to a seven-day contract. The former Maryland standout is expected to get some playing time in the interim, especially with the Mercury losing two players in the span of three days.
Phoenix’s next game is a home matchup against the Mystics on Thursday. They enter that contest with a 13-25 record and behind three straight losses.
