PHOENIX - The two-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury today added veteran guard Shay Murphy in free agency, the team has announced.
"Shay's versatility and her ability to handle the ball and slash to the basket are ideal for how we will play under coach Brondello," said Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman. "This move gives us legitimate backcourt depth and adds another strong competitor to our roster."
The 5-11, 164-pound Murphy is a seven-year veteran with Minnesota (2007-08), Washington (2008), Detroit (2008), Indiana (2009-10) and Chicago (2010-13). The 28-year-old guard gives the Mercury another ball handler and playmaker along with the recently-acquired Erin Phillips to team with former WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi.
Murphy, whose given first name is Eshaya, owns career averages of 5.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 172 games (seven starts), and appeared in all 34 games off the bench for Chicago in 2013. Currently playing in Spain (Perfumerias Avenida Salamanca) with Mercury center Krystal Thomas, Murphy is averaging a team-high 18.4 points and 6.4 rebounds. Murphy is a 2007 graduate of the University of Southern California.
A founding member of the longest-running, most successful women's basketball league in the world, this summer the Phoenix Mercury begins its 18th WNBA season. Behind Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, the sport's two highest profile athletes, the Mercury's chase for the franchise's third WNBA championship begins May 17. Secure your tickets today by logging on to PhoenixMercury.com or calling 602.252.WNBA.