Kalani Brown is back in the WNBA, and the move is a head-turner: she signed with the Las Vegas Aces, the same squad that swept her Phoenix Mercury team in the 2025 WNBA Finals. After spending the summer waiting for another WNBA opportunity, Brown’s return to the league comes on the heels of the Aces ruling NaLyssa Smith out for the remainder of the season with a left leg injury. Talk about a twist of fate. Brown had agreed to a contract buyout with the Mercury in the preseason, making her an intriguing pickup for a team once again positioned as a postseason contender.
From Adversary to Ally: Brown’s Path to Las Vegas
This isn’t Brown’s first rodeo, but it’s definitely a unique chapter. She spent the entire 2025 season with the Phoenix Mercury, joining them from Dallas as part of a massive four-team trade that also brought Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas to the Valley. Brown was consistently in the Mercury’s rotation during the first half of the season, putting up solid numbers: 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 29 games, all while shooting a slick 61.5% from the field. But as the Mercury tightened their rotation heading into the postseason and Finals, her minutes dipped. It wasn’t until Sabally got injured during the Finals that Brown saw increased playing time as Phoenix shuffled its frontcourt. Ultimately, though, the Mercury’s championship hopes were crushed by the Aces.
“Chosen for a Reason” and a New Style of Play
Brown isn’t shy about her excitement for this new chapter. She told ESPN Las Vegas that she’s been told, “Since I’ve been here, I’ve been told I was chosen and I was chosen for a reason. And I just need to go out there and be me and don’t think about it. That’s what I’ve been told in my workouts, and that’s what I’m going off of. I’m here to give whatever Becky [Hammon] asks of me.” The former Mercury center sees a real fit with Becky Hammon’s system, especially how the Aces utilize their centers, which she feels plays directly into her strengths. That wasn’t quite the case in Phoenix. “I think in Phoenix, it was a different level of play, a different style of play for me. And I did struggle in the beginning. I got the hang of it, but I think here I’m a little bit more comfortable,” Brown admitted.
Now, Brown has a golden opportunity to contribute to a championship-caliber team, and perhaps even finish the championship story that slipped away last season. Her focus right now is clear: “I’m just trying to get up to speed with the team, getting up to their speed of play, their style of play. And I’m just going to take it as a challenge.” It’s an incredible chance for Brown to show what she can do on a contender, surrounded by All-Stars. Can she help the Aces chase another title? That’s the challenge she’s ready to meet head-on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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