At the beginning of 2025 the Connecticut Sun entered into a potential trade deal with the Phoenix Mercury. That deal resulted in Alyssa Thomas moving to Phoenix and the Sun gaining Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen. The Dallas Wings landed several new players (including Ty Harris, who was initially traded to Phoenix as well) and the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft — Aziaha James.
The move was a significant one for Thomas, who had spent her entire career with the Sun and had led the franchise to six back-to-back appearances in the semifinals. Thomas' partner, DeWanna Bonner, also departed the Sun for the Indiana Fever.
Thomas is considered one of the best defenders in the WNBA. At 6'2" she has plenty of size. Apart from her WNBA prowess, she's also one of best basketball players in the world, period.
In other words, the trade was a major one for Phoenix — and the full scope has finally been realized tonight.
The Dallas Wings picked up TK in the 2025 WNBA Draft
Though they traded for it, the Sun ultimately lost that No. 12 pick in February 2025 when the team entered into a four-team trade with the Fever, Mercury, and Wings. The Wings ended up bringing on DiJonai Carrington and Harris as well as the reserved rights of Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and the No. 12 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft from Phoenix and the right to swap Second Round picks with Connecticut in 2026.
The Mercury gained Satou Sabally, Kalani Brown and Sevgi Uzun in addition to Thomas. The Fever added Sophie Cunningham and will pick up the 19th pick in the 2025 Draft. The Sun landed Rebecca Allen, Natasha Cloud, and Saniya Rivers, the No. 8 pick in the 2025 Draft.
With the addition of James, the Wings are making it clear they are focused on winning. James is an unstoppable force when the ball is in her hand and she can hit 3s like nobody's business — she absolutely fits into the Wings' plans to win and win big.
Alyssa Thomas will be a powerhouse addition for the Mercury
There's no denying that Thomas will bring a lot of energy the Mercury needs in the wake of the retirement of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner's departure to Atlanta, and now we know James is the missing piece of the puzzle for the team.
The combination of Thomas and Sabally will be something to watch out for as the 2025 season progresses. If the Mercury run the offense through Thomas, who in addition to her other skills is a superior passer, she'll get the ball to Sabally — who can then shoot a 3 or get it back to Thomas in the paint. Either scenario almost guarantees Mercury dominance.