Brittany Griner looking at a fresh start, Diana Taurasi’s future uncertain, and Sophie Cunningham targeted by Indiana Fever. That wasn’t an easy picture for the Phoenix Mercury to start their free agency with. A team that looked dominant entering 2024, was left in bits. Now the franchise had a task up ahead and they rose unfazed. After a few All-WNBA First Team players’ acquisitions, Mercury is making another move. This one costs them a little more than the salary Caitlin Clark is reeling in!

The Phoenix Mercury has locked in Latvian forward Kitija ‘Kit’ Laksa on a guaranteed deal. The 28-year-old standout is currently shining in Italy with Beretta Famila Schio, putting up 15.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in EuroLeague play. What’s turning even more heads? Her contract— it is set to pay her more than WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark before she’s even played a game.

While rookie contracts in the WNBA are often a hot topic, Laska’s earnings with Phoenix have quietly surpassed Clark’s $76,000 annual deal with the Indiana Fever.

According to Richard Cohen of Her Hoop Stats, Kitija Laksa is set to earn $80,000 for her one-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury. She joins a team led by veteran Diana Taurasi, one of the highest-paid players in the WNBA. In 2024, Taurasi earned a base salary of $234,936, reinforcing her status as a cornerstone of the franchise. There may be uncertainty now, but Mercury is ensuring every effort to stay prepared for the season ahead.

Laksa joins Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, Kalani Brown, and Sevgi Uzun for a new look of the Phoenix Mercury. Kahleah Copper remains the only starter from last season in case Taurasi retires. But Sabally and Thomas bring plenty experience, are multiple-time All-Stars, and if we were to go by the former Dallas Wings star’s words, they are already gelling well.

The Mercury will open their 2025 WNBA season at home on Saturday, May 17, with a highly anticipated matchup against the Seattle Storm. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. as they take the court for the Fry’s Food Stores Home Opener.

Who is Latvia’s sharpshooter?

Kitija Laksa, born on May 21, 1996, is a key player for the Latvian national team, who most recently suited up for Fenerbahçe in the Women’s Basketball Super League and EuroLeague Women.

Laksa’s scoring ability first turned heads during her time at South Florida, where she quickly became one of the program’s top offensive threats. She finished her collegiate career ranking among USF’s all-time leaders in scoring, free-throw percentage, and three-point shooting. But just as her senior season was gaining momentum, a knee injury in November 2018 sidelined her, forcing her to reevaluate her next steps.

Rather than returning for a fifth year, Laksa took the leap into professional basketball, signing with TTT Riga in 2019. Her talent earned her a first-round selection in the 2020 WNBA Draft, going 11th overall to the Seattle Storm. However, she never had the opportunity to make her mark, as she was waived in 2021 before playing a single game.

With a fresh start in Phoenix, Laksa has a rare second chance to prove herself in the WNBA. Her lucrative deal and impressive international resume set the stage for what could be a breakout season.