The Phoenix Mercury are on the verge of acquiring five-time All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun, according to ESPN. The deal will send Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the No. 12 overall pick to Connecticut but cannot be finalized until Feb. 1.
Thomas, a perennial MVP candidate for the past five seasons, has been instrumental in leading the Sun to six straight semifinal appearances and two WNBA Finals. She is coming off a season averaging 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.6 steals. Despite these accomplishments, her experience with the Sun’s facilities left much to be desired.
Thomas expressed her displeasure last September, criticizing the Sun for having to share a practice court with a community center event. During the WNBA playoffs, she told Gabby Alfveby of The Next Hoops the facility conditions are “the ultimate disrespect” and underscored the need for professional-level resources to compete effectively.
“It’s normal at this point. I mean, Mohegan has to do better,” Thomas said. “We’re [a] professional team. We’re competing for playoffs. And yeah, to have to share your court with a two-year-old[‘s] birthday party, [it’s the] ultimate disrespect.
“We need more, we need better to compete at the highest level,” Thomas added.
Contrasting sharply with her previous situation, Thomas will join a Phoenix team that boasts the league’s newest 58,000 square-foot practice facility, exclusively used by the Mercury. This facility, which played a crucial role in attracting players like Kahleah Copper and Cloud last offseason, will now welcome Thomas, enhancing Phoenix’s roster.
As the Mercury faces a transformative offseason with the potential retirements and free agency decisions of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, Thomas’ presence will provide a solid anchor in the frontcourt. Her previous collaboration with Griner on Team USA’s bench during the Paris Olympics could prove beneficial if Griner stayed with the team.
Back in Connecticut, the Sun has expressed plans to address their facility issues under the guidance of new coach Rachid Meziane and with commitments from the team’s leadership to develop a dedicated practice venue.
A lot must play out around the WNBA before greater clarity is established for the title outlook, but the Connecticut Sun (+1600) currently holds better title odds on DraftKings Sportsbook than the Phoenix Mercury (+3000) before any further developments.
As WNBA expansion franchises already enter the league with state-of-the-art practice facilities, teams without one will need to upgrade soon, or else they’ll risk losing top talent. Alyssa Thomas is just the latest to do so.
