Story by Jeff Metcalfe
The Phoenix Mercury’s first big move in WNBA free agency will be to trade for power forward Alysssa Thomas per multiple reports.
The 6-2 Thomas is a five-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 U.S. Olympian. She is 32 and has played 11 seasons in the WNBA, all with Connecticut. Her career averages are 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds.
The deal would be a sign-and-trade because Connecticut has core rights to Thomas and cannot be officially announced until Saturday.
Phoenix is reportedly sending Natasha Cloud, Bec Allen, and the No. 12 overall pick to the Sun in exchange for Thomas and Ty Harris.
It is not yet known what the Mercury will give up to acquire Thomas or how the deal impact DeWanna Bonner, the former Mercury forward who is Thomas’ fiancée. Thomas and Bonner played together for Connecticut since 2020.
The 6-4 Bonner, 37, played for the Mercury from 2009-19 including on two WNBA championship teams. She is an unrestricted free agent.
Thomas made $218,000 and Bonner $200,000 in 2024, per spotrac.
ESPN first reported on the Thomas trade.
The Mercury could be losing 6-8 Brittney Griner in free agency and WNBA career scoring leader Diana Taurasi is expected to retire. Both have played their entire WNBA careers in Phoenix. Taurasi, Griner and the Mercury’s Kahleah Copper also were on the U.S. Paris Olympics team.
Sports360AZ
