When the Phoenix Mercury traded for Alyssa Thomas in late January, it was the first tangible signal they were shifting into a new era.
Still waiting on some players to decide their future with the franchise and in the league, general manager Nick U’Ren decided it was time to make a move and reset.
It’s also a new era for Thomas, who is playing for a new team for the first time in her career after spending all of her 11 WNBA seasons with the Connecticut Sun.
“I don’t plan on being any different than what I’ve been on my past team in Connecticut,” Thomas said during her introductory news conference Tuesday. “I’m trying to win. I don’t want to drop off. I want to continue to play at the same level, be in the playoffs, and the goal is to win a championship.”
Championship aspirations have been what’s guided Phoenix through a seismic offseason after being bounced in the first round of the playoffs in 2022 and 2024.
The Mercury’s roster was already going to look different before the addition of Thomas. After 11 seasons in Phoenix, Brittney Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream. Sophie Cunningham was traded to the Indiana Fever after six years with the Mercury. Natasha Cloud and Rebecca Allen were also moved in the trade to acquire Thomas.
And later Tuesday, franchise…
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