Back in February the WNBA was rocked by a massive four-team trade that saw 13 players moved around the league. The trade was more than massive; it was the biggest in league history.
As noted by ESPN, the full weight of that trade is only being completely realized in September, as the Phoenix Mercury continues the team's advance toward the Lynx and threatens the No. 1 team in the league with a home upset. The two teams will face one another for a third semi-finals game Friday night at the PHX Arena, and there is little doubt Mercury fans will be out in full force.
A look back at the February 2025 trade
In addition to bringing Sabally from Dallas and Thomas from Connecticut, the trade also sent Sophie Cunningham to the Indiana Fever. Rebecca Allen and Natasha Cloud also departed Phoenix, and the Mercury gained Kalani Brown and Sevgi Uzun.
The Wings brought NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington onboard before trading the pair to the Aces and the Lynx, respectively. Dallas also pulled in Tyasha Harris.
The Mercury weren't necessarily seen as strong 2025 contenders after the trade; there was plenty of speculation about how Sabally and Thomas would work together, and Nate Tibbets' plan to play positionless basketball didn't immediately translate. But the team — led by Thomas, who has put in an extraordinary season — chipped away at those doubts. Adding Sami Whitcomb during free agency and DeWanna Bonner midseason proved to be major boons.
The trade also had a strong ripple effect on Indiana and Las Vegas. Though Cunningham has since suffered a season-ending MCL tear, she was a driving force for the Fever all season and is a part of why the team has managed to make it to the Semifinals for the first time in 10 years. Smith similarly proved to be an impactful player for the Aces, and has thrived since making the swap.
The trade could even dictate what happens in the Finals
No matter who wins this weekend, the Finals will be played by teams who were either part of the initial trade or who have since benefitted in some way. No matter what, the winning team will include an individual player who was part of the deal. The idea that the Mercury could take down the Lynx Friday and Sunday isn't as far-fetched as it might seem, and the Fever and Aces are also tied in their own series.