Phoenix Mercury Sign Haley Jones to hardship Contract

⁣ Updated June 2, ‍2025
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The Phoenix Mercury added Haley ⁤Jones to their roster with a hardship contract, the team announced Sunday. Jones, a defensive specialist, previously⁢ played for the Atlanta Dream.

Drafted sixth overall ‍by Atlanta in 2023, Jones played ⁤in all 40 games for the Dream⁤ last season. She averaged 3.9⁣ points, 2.2 ⁣rebounds, and 2.1 ⁤assists. The Dream waived her during training camp this year.

Jones, noted for her defensive skills, helped Stanford win the national championship ‍in 2001.During her college career, she ⁤averaged‍ 13 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Despite injuries to key players Kahleah ⁤Copper and Alyssa Thomas, the Mercury have started the season strong with a 5-2 record. Copper⁣ is recovering from arthroscopic knee ⁣surgery,and⁢ Thomas is sidelined with ‍a calf injury.

Four undrafted rookies—Monique ⁣Akoa Makani, Kathryn Westbeld, Lexi ⁣Held, and Kitija Laksa—have played a notable role in the Mercury’s early success. Makani averages 9.7 points ⁢and 2.9 assists, Westbeld contributes 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds, and Held averages⁢ 5.7 points and ⁣1.6 steals. Laksa ⁣is averaging 8.7 points and 1.5 assists per game.

Jones debuted ⁣with the Mercury on Sunday, scoring 2 points and providing one⁢ assist in four minutes. Phoenix defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 85-80.

What’s next

Jones is expected to provide depth and defensive support as the Mercury navigate their season with injured players returning.