Phoenix Mercury sign Shey Peddy, waive Megan Walker in offseason moves
Jenna Ortiz
With free agency underway in the WNBA, the Phoenix Mercury made several moves Thursday, including bringing back guard Shey Peddy, while waiving forward Megan Walker and extending a qualifying offer to guard Kia Nurse.
Peddy was extended a qualifying offer after appearing in 32 games and averaging a career high 5.4 points. There currently are seven players under contract on the roster.
Walker was acquired, alongside Nurse, by the Mercury ahead of last season in a trade. Walker started in seven games and averaged 4.5 points through 29 games.
Nurse, who is a restricted free agent, was extended a qualifying offer. Nurse still is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces and likely will miss part of the upcoming season. The wing was a starter for the Mercury, averaging 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in the regular season. She scored a career high 28 points in July with seven 3-pointers.
The Mercury, with limited cap space, will have to determine how to re-sign guard Sophie Cunningham, an unrestricted free agent.
Friday remains the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers to possible restricted free agents.
Reach the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or 602-647-4122. Follow her on Twitter @jennarortiz.