Sophie Cunningham returned to Phoenix for the first time since her offseason trade.
Mercury Fans Make Their Feelings Clear on Sophie Cunningham’s Return After Fever Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When the Indiana Fever hosted the Phoenix Mercury on July 30, the home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse gave former player DeWanna Bonner a savage reception. The fans booed the six-time All-Star upon her return after Bonner forced her way out of Indiana after just nine games played.
It was an entirely different situation for Sophie Cunningham on Thursday night, though, as the Fever traveled to Phoenix for a road matchup at PHX Arena. This was Cunningham’s former stomping ground before the Mercury traded her to the Fever in the offseason as part of a multi-team deal.
Cunningham, who spent the first six years of her career in Phoenix, made her return to her former home on Thursday for the first time. The crowd at PHX Arena made their feelings about her abundantly clear.
Back where it all started 🫶
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 8, 2025
Sophie Cunningham gets a warm welcome back from the Phoenix Mercury!
IND-PHX | Prime Video pic.twitter.com/B4nGqgaZrg
The supporters gave the 6-foot-1 guard a warm ovation as the team showed their tribute video for Cunningham. The 28-year-old was all smiles as she showed her appreciation to her former fans.
Clearly, Bonner and Cunningham’s situations are much different. While Bonner’s exit left a bad taste in the mouth of Fever supporters, there’s nothing but love from Mercury fans for Cunningham.
Cunningham has been quite a revelation for the Fever in her debut season. She’s made all sorts of waves off the court, but there’s no denying that she’s also made a significant impact on it.
In 25 games played this season, the former Missouri standout has averaged 8.0 points on 46.7% shooting, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 25.2 minutes per game, while also knocking down 1.6 triples per contest on a 41.9% clip.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
