The Phoenix Mercury are set to acquire five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun in a blockbuster trade, according to Alexa Philippou. At this time, further details regarding the deal are unclear, including what the Sun will get in return.

Thomas, who has finished top five in MVP voting each of the last three seasons, was core-designated by the Sun earlier in the offseason. That granted the Sun exclusive negotiating rights, and as such this will be a sign-and-trade deal that cannot become official until Feb. 1, when the league’s moratorium is lifted.

Thomas’ departure likely marks the start of a complete rebuild for the Sun, who only have four players under contract for the 2025 season and recently hired the relatively unknown Frenchman Rachid Meziane as their new coach after Stephanie White left for the Indiana Fever.

For the Mercury, Thomas’ arrival gives them the perfect leader for coach Nate Tibbetts’ space-and-pace system. While Thomas herself is not a shooter, her ability to push the pace, get downhill, and create for others should make their offense more consistent. Furthermore, she is a defensive anchor who will immediately enhance their defensive unit.

The acquisition of Thomas also casts doubt on the return of Brittney Griner in Phoenix. Earlier this month, Griner’s agent confirmed the 10-time All-Star was exploring free agency for the first time, and the fit with Thomas may not make much sense.