Phoenix Mercury’s Bold Move to Acquire Alyssa Thomas from Connecticut Sun

Phoenix Mercury Set to Acquire Alyssa Thomas in Blockbuster Trade

In a move that has sent ripples through the WNBA community, the Phoenix Mercury are on the verge of finalizing a trade to bring five-time All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Tuesday.

For fans of the Sun, this news might come as a bittersweet moment. Thomas, who has been a cornerstone of the Connecticut franchise, leaves behind a legacy of excellence. Her tenure with the Sun was marked by six consecutive semifinal appearances and two trips to the Finals in 2019 and 2022. It’s no exaggeration to say that Thomas is one of the greatest players in the history of the Sun.

Now, let’s delve into the mechanics of this trade. Thomas was an unrestricted free agent, but the Sun had cored her. This meant that the only way she could leave the team was through a trade. Importantly, Thomas had to approve her trade destination, adding another layer of complexity to the deal. Since this is a sign-and-trade transaction, it won’t be official until February 1.

Standing at 6-foot-2, Thomas is widely regarded as one of the best defenders and facilitators in the league. Her prowess on the court has earned her a spot among the top players globally, as evidenced by her top-five finishes in MVP voting over the past three seasons. Her accolades don’t stop there; Thomas was also a 2024 Olympian with USA Basketball and has earned six All-Defensive Team nods in her career. She holds the league’s all-time record for triple-doubles, with 11 in the regular season and four more in the postseason. Last year, she averaged 10.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 8.4 rebounds with the Sun.

But what does this mean for the Mercury? The team is already poised for significant changes next season. Brittney Griner is exploring free agency for the first time in her career, and Diana Taurasi is contemplating retirement. These potential shifts in the roster make the acquisition of Thomas even more pivotal for the Mercury’s future.

In their first season under head coach Nate Tibbetts, the Mercury faced a tough challenge, getting swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Lynx. The addition of Thomas could be the spark they need to make a deeper playoff run next season.

Meanwhile, the Connecticut Sun are also undergoing changes. The team recently appointed Rachid Meziane, former coach of the Belgium national team, to lead the organization. He replaces Stephanie White, who has moved on to the Indiana Fever.

• Thomas leaves the Sun as one of their greatest players.
• She was an unrestricted free agent but was cored by the Sun.
• The trade involves a sign-and-trade, effective February 1.
• Thomas is a top defender and facilitator in the league.
• She holds the league’s all-time triple-double record.
• Mercury face potential roster changes with Griner and Taurasi.
• Connecticut Sun appoint Rachid Meziane as new head coach.

As the WNBA landscape continues to evolve, this trade is sure to be a talking point for fans and analysts alike. The impact of Thomas joining the Mercury could reshape the dynamics of the league, and it will be fascinating to see how these changes unfold in the upcoming season.