Alyssa Thomas: Positives & Negatives – A Game-Changing Move

One of the best players in the game of women’s basketball was just traded: first-team All-WNBA player Alyssa Thomas. It was announced that the Phoenix Mercury are finalizing a trade to acquire five-time All-Star forward Thomas from the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Sun will receive Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the 2025 No. 12 overall pick from the Mercury and will send Ty Harris to Phoenix.

The trade signals a huge shift for the Phoenix Mercury as they are looking to win now instead of rebuild. The Mercury are destined for the playoffs again. Receiving the 32-year-old Thomas and pairing her with a 30-year-old Finals MVP in Kahleah Copper makes them a better team. Losing Brittney Griner in free agency to the Atlanta Dream does not help, but having these two vets in Copper and Thomas gives them more flexibility.

This trade offers clear benefits for Phoenix, but it also leaves Connecticut navigating a new, uncertain era. Let’s break down the positives and negatives of this game-changing move for both teams.

Positives

1.Phoenix Mercury’s Big Win

The fact that the Phoenix Mercury were able to trade for Alyssa Thomas is undoubtedly a game-changer. Thomas, last season, was an MVP candidate, a first-team All-WNBA performer, and a savvy veteran with immense playoff experience. As one of the best two-way forwards in the game, she plays elite defense and has exceptional playmaking abilities. This will automatically make players on the roster, such as Kahleah Copper, Sophie Cunningham, Celeste Taylor, and Natasha Mack, better players.

Additionally, with her arrival back in Phoenix, there are fewer questions and more expectations for DeWanna Bonner to rejoin the franchise. Bonner previously won two championships with the organization while playing alongside Diana Taurasi. Along with Copper, Thomas becomes a cornerstone piece to build around, giving the Mercury a much-needed change in their foundation for a championship push.

2. Kahleah Copper’s Potential

It is no surprise that one of the best two-way forwards in the league is Kahleah Copper. The former Finals MVP is one of the toughest covers in the league. Copper is also one of the league’s best scorers. Pairing her with a pass-first point forward now gives her the chance to form an explosive duo with Alyssa Thomas.

The combination of Thomas’ facilitation and Copper’s scoring ability could elevate Phoenix’s fast breaks, transition plays, and overall offense. Having both players work together provides a serious upgrade for the Mercury’s offensive and defensive strategies.

Both Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper were part of the USA Basketball Olympic team, where they displayed remarkable chemistry. Now, they get the chance to transfer that synergy onto the WNBA stage, strengthening their connection on the court and creating an exciting dynamic for Phoenix fans.

3.Celeste Taylor’s & Role PLayers Growth

It was not a typical year for Celeste Taylor. After being forced to play sparing minutes for the Indiana Fever, Taylor was released. Shortly after, she was picked up by the Phoenix Mercury but was cut again. However, because she impressed the front office and staff, she was able to secure another contract with Phoenix. She even started games and had breakout performances with the franchise, including scoring a career-high 9 points in 12 minutes in a game against the Atlanta Dream.

Moving forward, Taylor has a lot of promise and should see an increase in minutes due to this trade. Signing a full contract for the 2024 season, Taylor now benefits from the new dynamic created by Thomas’ arrival. The trade positions her for greater opportunities to develop further and contribute more to the Mercury’s efforts on the court.

Negatives

1.Connecticut Sun 

The fact that the Connecticut Sun traded away Alyssa Thomas, their best player in franchise history, is a massive disappointment. Additionally, the trade seemed like they were fleeced. Natasha Cloud is a good point guard, but they received an auxiliary piece in Rebecca Allen and only one first-round pick for an All-WNBA performer.

Additionally, this also signals that the franchise is going through a rebuild. For a team that has made the WNBA semifinals every year since 2019, there may be a massive fire sale coming soon.

2.Rachid Meziane (Head Coach of Connecticut Sun) 

This is already looking like a tough start for the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun, Rachid Meziane. The plan was for Meziane to help the Sun get over the hump and potentially do work in the WNBA Finals. However, because of the trade, the departure of Thomas now leaves a massive hole in the team’s competitive success.

The Sun are now in rebuilding mode, and Meziane’s task is much harder than anticipated. He’ll need to navigate through a roster overhaul while trying to maintain competitive performance for the team.

3.Natasha Cloud 

The person that might be the most disconcerted is none other than point guard Natasha Cloud. After spending most of her career playing for the Washington Mystics, Cloud wound up in Phoenix. Cloud enjoyed Phoenix so much that she never would have imagined she would be a one-and-done player for the organization. Not only did she enjoy the players and coaches on the roster, but Phoenix also built a new practice facility for their players.

With the top-tier facilities and culture, Cloud now finds herself leaving the team she had grown attached to. The Connecticut Sun, in no way, shape, or form, offer the same amenities as the Mercury. Additionally, Cloud was on a playoff team, but now with the Sun, she will be entering a rebuilding stage. Cloud’s move marks a difficult change, as she has to adjust to a new team with different goals and dynamics.

Conclusion:

While the Phoenix Mercury are the clear-cut winners in the Alyssa Thomas trade, Connecticut is now at a crossroads. The trade is a game-changer for Phoenix’s championship hopes. As for Connecticut, the future just became a lot more uncertain.