Exciting news from Phoenix! The Phoenix Mercury have made a big move. They traded for Alyssa Thomas, a five-time All-Star forward, from the Connecticut Sun. This trade has been confirmed by various sources, including ESPN.
In return, the Mercury will send guards Natasha Cloud and Rebecca Allen along with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft to the Sun.
Starting with an impressive track record, Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists last season, shooting over 50% from the field. Under her leadership, the Sun clinched a playoff spot in 2024, marking their eighth straight playoff appearance, the longest active streak in the WNBA. Although the Sun defeated the Indiana Fever in the first round, they were eliminated by the Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals.
Her accolades are notable. In 2024, Thomas not only made the All-Star roster but also secured a spot on the All-WNBA First Team. Moreover, she won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Paris.
During her impressive career with the Sun, Thomas has been an essential part of the team. She was drafted fourth overall by the New York Liberty and quickly traded to the Sun. Over 11 seasons, she’s racked up five All-Star selections, three All-WNBA nods, and multiple honors on defensive teams. She was a key player for the Sun when they reached the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022, and she was a runner-up for MVP in 2023.
As she joins the Mercury, the team is undergoing some changes. Both superstar players, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, are unrestricted free agents. The Mercury had a tough season in 2023, finishing last, but they showed improvement in 2024, ending with a 19-21 record and making it to the playoffs before getting swept in the first round.
Alyssa Thomas is also engaged to her former teammate, DeWanna Bonner, who is also a free agent. Bonner had a successful career in Phoenix before moving to the Sun in 2020.
This trade could be a turning point for the Mercury as they look to rebuild and aim for a strong future.
Source link
Alyssa Thomas,Phoenix Mercury,The Mercury,the Sun,Connecticut Sun,WNBA,WNBA Finals,Natasha Cloud,WNBA draft,Minnesota Lynx,Indiana Fever,Kelsey Plum,New York Liberty,Jewell Loyd,Rebecca Allen
