The WNBA’s free agency period is cranking up. And the Engine is headed to the desert.
Alyssa Thomas is being acquired via trade by the Phoenix Mercury, as first reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. An unrestricted free agent who was cored by the Connecticut Sun, Thomas had to approve of the trade, which will not be official until the league’s signing window opens on Feb. 1.
As the trade is still being finalized, the players and/or assets that the Sun will receive from the Mercury in exchange for Thomas have yet to be confirmed. Howard Megdal of The Next and the Locked On Women’s Basketball Podcast has heard that Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen and the No. 12 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft will be heading back to Connecticut, with Ty Harris joining Thomas in Phoenix. He cautions, however, that contours of the trade remain fluid.
Regardless of the exact machinations of the transaction, the acquisition of Thomas suggests a bold, new direction for Phoenix, as Brittney Griner explores alternative WNBA destinations and Diana Taurasi ponders retirement. Thomas’ departure from Connecticut, the only team she has played for in her 11-season WNBA career, also signals the dawning of a new era of Sun basketball.
This story will be updated as additional details about the trade…
