Liberty forward Satou Sabally said she doesn’t like to dwell on the past. She’s worked to become the type of person who can stay present.
But with Sabally facing her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, Wednesday for the first time since their mutual split this past offseason, the 6-foot-4 unicorn was asked to reflect on the road that eventually led her to New York.
Sabally said she picked what was best for her during a condensed free agency period.
“I was more so focused on where I want to be next,” she said Wednesday after shootaround. “And I think that is in an environment that really encourages me and believes in me, so I think that was just something that I had to do for my own protection, also.”
There’s a sense that the Mercury were lukewarm about bringing her back, and she wasn’t too keen on staying.
Sabally seemed to be a perfect fit in Phoenix last season. She led the team in scoring with 16.3 points per game and was second in rebounds (5.9 per game) and 3-pointers made (67 total).
Her production was even better in the playoffs as Sabally averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and 2.5 assists while helping the Mercury to their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2021.
Sabally’s stint in Phoenix ended after she suffered a gnarly concussion in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The injury sidelined her for most of the offseason as she dealt with lingering symptoms tied to the head injury.
Sabally said the concussion didn’t play a role in her free agency decision.
Sabally had “respectful conversations” with Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren and coach Nate Tibbetts about her future in Phoenix. Sabally said she was “relatively” surprised when the Mercury opted not to core her, making her an unrestricted free agent.
“It’s a perspective to being surprised,” Sabally said, “but I also know that they wanted to keep their options open.”
Sabally felt the Liberty made the most sense for her future. The feeling was mutual.
New York signed Sabally to a two-year, $1.67 million deal to join Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones as the team’s loaded core.
Mercury star Alyssa Thomas wasn’t surprised by Sabally’s exit.
“At the end of the day, people make their decision and I mean, you respect that,” she said. “So I mean, I’m happy for her either way.”
DeWanna Bonner said she found out about Sabally signing with the Liberty when everyone else did.
“She’s a great teammate, fun person, always kept the locker room great and obviously she’s a great player,” Bonner said. “We miss her a lot, but I think we got great acquisitions … Satou did what was best for her, and I love that for her.”
Sabally rode on her sister Nyara’s float down Broadway during the Liberty’s 2024 championship parade. She saw the city shower her sister and the Liberty with love and praise. She clapped along as a section of the crowd chanted her last name, feeling a mix of pride and happiness.
That experience wasn’t enough, though, to convince her to join the team that offseason. The Dallas Wings designated Sabally as a core player before trading her to the Mercury as part of a four-team deal ahead of the 2025 season.
A year later, though, Sabally is finally a member of the Liberty.
“Just focusing on my current team, really, and just being in the present moment,” Sabally said. “Obviously, like it’s cool to always see people that you’ve played with, but just focusing on a group that I have now.”
The aftermath of her concussion delayed Sabally’s ramp-up to the season. She didn’t return to basketball activities until March. As part of the team’s cautious approach to her reconditioning process, Sabally sat out the Liberty’s two preseason games.
On the eve of the season, the Liberty revealed Sabally had a cyst, which sidelined her for the first four games.
Sabally has been slowly finding her groove in the Liberty’s system.
“I’m definitely so thankful with how they have just like approached my getting back to playing process, because it’s been very difficult, but they’ve been super supportive,” Sabally said. “And even off the court. I mean, there are so many opportunities right now here in New York, but I’m really just like focusing on the now, and really just taking it day by day.”