The blockbuster WNBA deals keep on coming.
I hope you’re sitting because the massive free agency deals aren’t slowing down. First, Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd were traded, and now five-time WNBA All-Star Alyss Thomas is on the move. Thomas is reportedly joining the Phoenix Mercury via trade, the second landscape-shifting move in less than a week.
For context, the Sun cored Thomas earlier this month, and any efforts to move her had to be via a sign-and-trade deal. Additionally, Thomas would have to approve of the new destination.
The deal marks the end of Thomas’ 11-year career in Connecticut, which included two WNBA Finals appearances in 2022 and 2019 and six straight semifinal appearances.
Trade details
The Sun get: Guard Natasha Cloud, Guard Rebecca Allen and the No.12 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft
The Mercury get: Forward Alyssa Thomas and guard Ty Harris
Connecticut Sun grade
Alyssa Thomas’ departure is the end of an era in Connecticut.
Truthfully, it was probably over when the Sun lost to the Lynx in the 2024 WNBA semifinals, and former head coach Stephanie White returned to the Indiana Fever, but this feels finite—like a gut punch even.
The Sun could never get over the hump to bring home a championship during Thomas’ time there, always coming up short, one way or another. Add in lackluster player resources and facilities, and it’s easy to understand why Thomas might decide to split.
Now, the real questions begin for Connecticut.
How do you replace AT? How do you keep DeWanna Bonner from joining her fiancée in Phoenix and returning to where she spent 10 seasons? Is DiJonai Carrington actually staying? What about free agent Brionna Jones?
You can see where I’m going with this. Connecticut is in a rebuild.
The front office stands to make some significant decisions regarding an apparent earth-shattering shift in the franchise’s foundation. It starts with level-setting expectations and then landing additional players who want to be in Uncasville, Connecticut. *GULP.* No big deal.
At least Connecticut landed Natasha Cloud and Bec Allen, plus a top draft pick, to help soften the blow of losing AT and Ty (and DB), but I’m not feeling very confident about predicting what the starting lineup might look like next season.
- Natasha Cloud
- DiJonai Carrington
- Marina Mabrey?
- Bec Allen?
- Open
This could go so many ways and might continue to change until the Sun get something that works.
If you know a Connecticut fan, please give them a hug. They’re probably experiencing all the emotions right now.
Trade grade: B
Phoenix Mercury grade
The Phoenix Mercury are in a wild period of change.
Nobody knows (yet) if Diana Taurasi is retiring, and Brittney Griner is off to Atlanta. But, what is immediately clear is that Phoenix, too, is at the end of an era.
Thankfully, the Mercury has AT and Ty Harrive to dry their tears. (What a world.)
Landing both players makes the situation much more manageable. Building around AT, Ty and Kahleah Copper is a solid foundation. Then, you can address the elephant in the room:
How do you replace Brittney Griner’s production?
(There is no replacing their other legend, Diana Taurasi. You start over fresh and don’t make any comparisons to that kind of career.)
Free agent centers are exactly dropping from the sky, but Bri Jones is a name to keep an eye on. She’s a bit younger at 29 and had solid production over the last several seasons, even through injuries. The Mercury would lose BG’s 6-foot-9 height and wingspan, but Jones comes in at a nice 6-foot-3 to help out. Furthermore, Bri and AT have a known court connection and work very well together.
There’s also another elephant to address, and it’s an awkward situation.
What in the world happened with Natasha Cloud?
Obviously, the WNBA is a business, and anyone can be traded, but getting only one season out of Cloud, Copper, BG and DT feels CRIMINAL. Also, Natasha was so happy about being in Phoenix that she spent time during the season and into the WNBA offseason, hyping up the Mercury.
“From the beginning, Phoenix sought after me,” Cloud told For The Win when we spoke with her in 2024 about joining the organization. “It was intentional, and to feel that, after not feeling appreciated or valued for so many years within an organization, was relieving and nice.”
Cold world.
If you know any Mercury fans, they could use a hug, too. BG is gone. Cloud is gone. And DT might walk off into the sunset at any moment.
Trade grade: A
