You’d be lying if you said we didn’t call it – Connecticut Sun’s slide was kinda obvious way before tip-off this season. Because losing all five starters from last year is not exactly a “let’s make playoffs” energy. So when the Sun walked into 2025 with a whole new roster, there was really only one familiar face that fans were holding onto for dear life: Marina Mabrey. She came over from Chicago in a midseason trade last year and signed a two-year deal to chase a ring with Connecticut. But, well… that’s not quite how things are going.
So, what did she do?
Mabrey wasn’t too happy with the situation she walked into. There were some behind-the-scenes doubts about what she actually agreed to when she got traded, and she asked out. But the Sun weren’t having it. They already gave up a lot to get her, and after the roster exodus this offseason, they can’t exactly afford to lose the one player who’s still got star power. So they denied the request, and that’s when things got spicy.
Mabrey’s agent, Marcus Crenshaw from The FAM agency, didn’t hold back. “They are doing all they can to try and force Marina to stay when she clearly doesn’t want to be there. It’s interesting,” he said. After which, fans started speculating, reporters kept digging, and her former college teammate Arike Ogunbowale even posted a video of a guy missing every shot he takes, clearly a shady little metaphor.
But, you know, now a couple of months into the season Marina is not sulking. In fact, she’s smiling. Like, all over social media. The side-eye has taken a backseat to full-on joy. And the reason? That would be rookie Saniya Rivers. Rivers and Mabrey have become unexpectedly real close. Rivers is that loud, always-smiling, energy-on-100 type of teammate who pulls people out of their shells. And clearly, she’s helped Mabrey tap into her fun side. The two are inseparable lately, and naturally, fans have gone wild with speculation.
Yall think Marina canceled that trade request??? pic.twitter.com/Wp3XGA70t9
— Ill name this x later (@ill_name_this_x) July 10, 2025
Just when dating rumors were swirling (a bit too much), the two showed up at Fenway Park. Ahead of next week’s big game at Boston’s TD Garden, Mabrey, Rivers, and veteran Tina Charles were invited to throw the first pitch before the Red Sox game on Tuesday. Teammate Olivia Nelson-Ododa was also there hyping them up.
But it wasn’t the pitch that stole the spotlight. It was one photo. Mabrey and Rivers standing side-by-side, Rivers’ hand around Mabrey’s waist. That was it. That’s all it took for fans to absolutely spiral. Some are all in for this duo. Others are wondering if this new closeness is going to impact Mabrey’s future in Connecticut.
Sun fans stir the pot as Marina Mabrey- Saniya Rivers bond sparks buzz
“Y’all think Marina canceled that trade request??? ” That one fan comment started the string. When Saniya Rivers arrived in Connecticut, it was like her mission from Miami just picked up right where it left off. Along with fellow rookie Aneesah Morrow, Rivers met Marina Mabrey literally within 24 hours of being drafted and they were filming TikTok dances. That wasn’t a one-time thing. Since that moment, the videos haven’t stopped.
At first, it felt like typical rookie fun—Gen Z girls bringing dance moves and slang into locker rooms, stuff the vets can’t even keep up with. But the WNBA’s got this sweet thing going right now…young players are injecting joy and chaos, while the vets offer grounding and wisdom. It’s the ultimate team-up. Except, with Marina and Rivers, fans think it might be more than just basketball bonding. Between their random car live sessions, food runs, and undeniable on-screen chemistry, the internet is absolutely convinced this duo might be what keeps Mabrey in Connecticut longer than expected.
Another fan (and many others) nodded along, commenting, “Nah they a couple couple !! Marina definitely canceled that trade request lol ” The receipts aren’t lacking. Whether they’re doing it just to fuel the rumors or not, they’re definitely not dodging the speculation. The flirty comments have made their way into the replies. Their TikToks now come with just the right amount of “wait a minute” energy.
And after the Sun’s first win of the season – their first after a brutal 10-game losing streak – Rivers went to Mabrey, who was watching from the sidelines due to injury, and literally picked her up in a full-on hug. Whether it’s a bit or it’s real, even the most skeptical fans are doubting now. One chimed in with a deadpan “Ok hand wrapped around back.” The moment Rivers and Mabrey stood side-by-side for photos before throwing the first pitch at the Red Sox game, with Rivers’ hand wrapped casually but very intentionally around Marina’s waist and fans lost it.
Because that’s the same kind of couple-coded placement we saw with Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd in that photo that had everyone speculating for months. While many more hints have basically forced us to accept Paige and Azzi as official at this point, it’s not that clear-cut with Marina and Saniya. Still, the déjà vu is strong. But not everyone is swooning. One fan went full savage mode, dropping “Lmao not worth staying in that sh–ty franchise.”
Because despite the smiles, one major reason behind Marina’s original trade request might have nothing to do with teammates or chemistry. It might just be the franchise itself. The Connecticut Sun is still among the few WNBA teams without a proper player practice facility. During last year’s playoffs, the team reportedly had to share a practice court with a child’s birthday party. It is one of the reasons that it is harder to attract free agents and even tougher to retain the ones they’ve got. So even if Mabrey’s feeling the love lately, it’s not exactly a confirmation that she sticks around long term.
Sep 22, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (4) celebrates in the third quarter during game one of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
But then there’s that one fan who kept it simple with, “They look happy,” and maybe that’s all that matters for now. Couple or not, the joy is real. “I feel like this is the most random friendship ever,” Rivers admitted with a laugh. “When I came back, she was just like anything you need, I’m here. Whether that’s a hug or a conversation or whatever.” She even added that Mabrey’s been trying to boost her confidence to shoot the ball more. It’s sweet, it’s genuine, and it makes you want to root for both of them.
Meanwhile, not to forget, this Sun team, despite making the semifinals the last two seasons and even a Finals appearance in 2022, is in a completely different place now. Tina Charles joining the roster gave their offense a boost, and it was her leadership that finally snapped that losing streak. But with a 3-16 record, there’s still a long way to go. And with Mabrey still sidelined, it’s not clear if this off-court bond with Rivers can actually translate into wins anytime soon. Sun fans can only hope that someday, it really does happen.
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