Nigerian basketball star Murjanatu Musa has parted ways with Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA following the team’s decision to clear space for the return of veteran forward DeWanna Bonner.
Musa, a key player for Nigeria’s D’Tigress, joined the Mercury earlier in 2025 from French side Tarbes Gespe Bigorre, marking her debut in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Her WNBA journey, however, has been cut short due to injury setbacks and roster constraints.
The Phoenix Mercury were forced to make tough decisions as the WNBA’s July 13 roster deadline approached. With Bonner, a five-time WNBA All-Star and former champion, set to rejoin the squad, the franchise waived Musa to make room on their 12-player roster.
According to the WNBA’s official transaction log, Musa was one of six players on unprotected contracts, meaning the Mercury could release her without financial penalty.
The 6’3” Nigerian centre made her WNBA debut on May 22, featuring in Phoenix’s thrilling 89–86 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. She went on to appear in 12 games during the 2025 season, showing flashes of potential despite battling injuries.
Musa is expected to return to full fitness later this year and is likely to attract interest from both European clubs and other WNBA teams given her international experience and dominant presence in the paint.
