Alyssa Thomas trade grades: Who won the Sun and Mercury deal?

The blockbuster WNBA deals keep on coming.

I hope you’re sitting because the massive free agency deals aren’t slowing down. First, Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd were traded, and now five-time WNBA All-Star Alyss Thomas is on the move. Thomas is reportedly joining the Phoenix Mercury via trade, the second landscape-shifting move in less than a week.

For context, the Sun cored Thomas earlier this month, and any efforts to move her had to be via a sign-and-trade deal. Additionally, Thomas would have to approve of the new destination.

The deal marks the end of Thomas’ 11-year career in Connecticut, which included two WNBA Finals appearances in 2022 and 2019 and six straight semifinal appearances.

Trade details

The Sun get: Guard Natasha Cloud, Guard Rebecca Allen and the No.12 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft

The Mercury get: Forward Alyssa Thomas and guard Ty Harris

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 25: Alyssa Thomas #25, DiJonai Carrington #21 and DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Connecticut Sun react as they play the Indiana Fever during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 25, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Connecticut Sun won 87-81 over the Indiana Fever. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

Connecticut Sun grade

Alyssa Thomas’ departure is the end of an era in Connecticut.

Truthfully, it was probably over when the Sun lost to the Lynx in the 2024 WNBA semifinals, and former head coach Stephanie White returned to the Indiana Fever, but this feels finite—like a gut punch even.

The Sun could never get over the hump to bring home a championship during Thomas’ time there, always coming up short, one way or another. Add in lackluster player resources and facilities, and it’s easy to understand why Thomas might decide to split.

Now, the real questions begin for Connecticut.

How do you replace AT? How do you keep DeWanna Bonner from joining her fiancée in Phoenix and returning to where she spent 10 seasons? Is DiJonai Carrington actually staying? What about free agent Brionna Jones?

You can see where I’m going with this. Connecticut is in a rebuild.

The front office stands to make some significant decisions regarding an apparent earth-shattering shift in the franchise’s foundation. It starts with level-setting expectations and then landing additional players who want to be in Uncasville, Connecticut. *GULP.No big deal.

At least Connecticut landed Natasha Cloud and Bec Allen, plus a top draft pick, to help soften the blow of losing AT and Ty (and DB), but I’m not feeling very confident about predicting what the starting lineup might look like next season.