Maddy Westbeld is officially joining the Phoenix Mercury on a rest-of-season contract, a move announced on August 18, 2026. This is a massive turn for the former Chicago Sky wing, who could be poised for a serious on-court role after a year of limited opportunities. Talk about a comeback opportunity for a player who’s battled to find her spot!
From Sky Starter to Mercury Opportunity
Westbeld’s pro career has been a total rollercoaster. Drafted 16th overall by the Sky in 2025, she actually cracked Chicago’s rotation right out of the gate. Her rookie season saw her average a solid 13.6 minutes per game across 26 appearances. She was putting up 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds, even shooting a respectable 39.5% from beyond the arc. Not bad for a rookie, right?
But man, 2026 has been a different story. Westbeld was waived and then re-signed to a developmental contract, barely seeing the court for the Sky. She played just 3 games this season. Before hitting the pros, this 6’3” forward was an absolute standout at Notre Dame. Across five seasons there, she averaged 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, with 34.9% shooting from three-point range. Plus, she was a three-time All-ACC team member. That talent doesn’t just disappear, and now she’s got a fresh shot in Phoenix.
Phoenix’s Tough Road Ahead and Why Westbeld Matters Now
Let’s be real, it’s been a tough season for the Mercury. After making a finals appearance, they’re sitting at a 13-23 record. They’re 7 games behind the Dallas Wings for the 8th and final playoff spot, so a playoff run isn’t happening. They even made a big midseason splash, trading Monique Akoa Makani and future draft compensation to bring in Kelsey Plum, which was a huge upgrade at guard. But even with that move, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
So, what’s the plan for the rest of the season? It’s all about player development, and that’s where Maddy Westbeld comes in huge. The Mercury clearly want to see what they’ve got in their newer talent, and convincing Plum to re-sign in free agency is another major goal. Westbeld getting increased minutes, possibly a significant role, is a direct signal that Phoenix is looking to the future.
This isn’t just about finishing out a tough season. It’s about building for what’s next and seeing what these players, especially a talented wing like Maddy Westbeld, can truly bring to the court. Get ready to watch her make a statement and show everyone what she’s capable of.
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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