Sat Feb 01 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Phoenix Mercury Acquire Five-Time All-Star Alyssa Thomas in Blockbuster Trade

**PHOENIX, AZ –** The Phoenix Mercury are making a significant power move, acquiring five-time All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun in a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal, ESPN sources confirmed Tuesday. The trade, which cannot be officially finalized until February 1st, sends Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the Mercury’s 2025 No. 12 overall pick to Connecticut, with Ty Harris heading to Phoenix.

Thomas, a cornerstone of the Connecticut Sun for her entire career, leaves behind a legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players, contributing to six consecutive semifinal appearances and Finals berths in 2019 and 2022. The 6-foot-2 forward, known for her exceptional defense, playmaking, and consistent top-five MVP finishes over the past three seasons, is considered one of the league’s best. Her impressive resume includes six All-Defensive Team selections and an unprecedented 15 triple-doubles (11 regular season, 4 postseason). Last season, she averaged 10.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 8.4 rebounds.

This trade marks a significant shift for the Mercury, who are already undergoing a roster transformation. While they retain 2021 Finals MVP Kahleah Copper, the team will be without Brittney Griner, who signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, and may also see the retirement of Diana Taurasi. The Mercury are actively pursuing other free agents, including Satou Sabally and DeWanna Bonner. After a first-round playoff exit last season, the Mercury aim to return to championship contention, having last won the title in 2014.

For the Connecticut Sun, this trade ushers in a new era under newly appointed head coach Rachid Meziane. While losing a star player, the Sun retain key players Marina Mabrey and Olivia Nelson-Ododa and have added Caitlin Bickle to their training camp roster. The team will look to rebuild around its remaining core players.

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