The Phoenix Mercury have finalized a trade to acquire five-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA First Team forward Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun, along with Ty Harris. In exchange, the Sun will receive Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and a draft pick. Thomas, who spent her entire career with the Sun, will now join the Mercury due to a sign-and-trade agreement.
Thomas leaves Connecticut after expressing dissatisfaction with the organization’s failure to keep pace with the changing landscape of the WNBA. Phoenix, on the other hand, boasts state-of-the-art facilities that have attracted top players like Thomas, Cloud, and Kahleah Copper.
The trade signifies a period of transition for the Sun, who recently saw their head coach leave for the Indiana Fever. This move also reflects the Mercury’s strategy of building a competitive roster, especially with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
For Connecticut, the trade provides a meaningful return for a player seeking a change of scenery. With the potential to reshape their roster, the Sun could see Cloud, Allen, and other players playing different roles in the upcoming season.
As for Phoenix, acquiring Thomas adds an All-Star to their lineup, alongside Copper and Harris. The Mercury will need to be active in free agency to fill gaps in their roster, as they now have limited draft picks. Overall, the trade sets the stage for both teams to make significant moves in the offseason as they aim to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com