The Phoenix Mercury are embarking on a new chapter in the post-Diana Taurasi period. Just hours before her introduction as the latest addition to the team, Alyssa Thomas was welcomed after the Mercury executed a major trade for her back in January, signaling their readiness to move forward without the franchise’s iconic figure.
Thomas’s arrival sets the stage for a formidable trio alongside Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper. During her press conference, she spoke with reporters about how she envisions her integration with these two All-Stars.
“Yeah, I think the way that the W is moving now, it’s not really so much position basketball,” Thomas shared. “It’s free-flowing. That’s what we kind of played in Connecticut, so it’s not really about having a point guard or 2,3,4,5. It’s just about how you can all work together and come to a style of just making it difficult for teams.”
“It’s fun for me, having players like that. You just have so many options that you can score and create. A lot of mismatches, but the biggest thing for me is just getting them easy opportunities and making their jobs that much easier. So I’m super excited to be playing alongside them.”
Thomas’s experience with the Connecticut Sun is particularly relevant here. Although she wasn’t officially credited as the point guard, she frequently took on the primary ball-handling responsibilities, rotating duties with teammates DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris. This dynamic exemplifies her ability to craft plays from various positions, despite not holding a traditional title.
Alyssa Thomas has a new opportunity with the Mercury
Moreover, her wife, DeWanna Bonner, played a crucial role on that team as well and often contributed to ball movement. The Mercury’s offensive strategy closely mirrors the approach employed by Stephanie White in Connecticut. Under head coach Nate Tibbetts, the focus is on an NBA-style offense emphasizing pace and spacing.
Unfortunately for Tibbetts, Thomas’s shooting isn’t her strongest asset; her game primarily revolves around attacking the rim and skillfully navigating from the high to mid-post. Nevertheless, her exceptional playmaking ability makes her a challenge for opposing teams to contend with.
After dedicating 11 seasons to the Connecticut organization, Thomas felt it was time for a change. Despite competing in two WNBA Finals with the Sun, she yearned for greater achievements. Her former team was eliminated in the semifinals by the Minnesota Lynx, and after Jonquel Jones departed for the New York Liberty two seasons ago, it marked the beginning of a significant transition.
Throughout her extensive career, she has enjoyed some of the finest seasons in recent years. She acknowledges the effort required for every game, practice, and season and believes she’s performing at her peak.
“Absolutely. I mean, I feel like every year I come back better. I do more and you know it gets noticed each and every year. Now, it’s a fresh start, a new team, and I’m excited about it. I think it was time. I had my 11-year run in Connecticut, but now I have a new opportunity in front of me.”
Alyssa Thomas signed with the Mercury for more than a title
A recurring criticism of Connecticut across the league was its practice facility, which was essentially a recreation center rather than a dedicated space for professional training. During the 2024 playoffs, the Sun had to share their practice site, a situation no professional team should encounter.
In contrast, Phoenix has clearly made substantial investments, unveiling their new $100 million practice facility during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend, which coincided with the USA Basketball Women’s National Team participation. Thomas was part of the Gold Medal-winning squad at that time.
When questioned if the quality of the facility played a role in her decision to sign, she indicated that it was a beneficial aspect.
“I think these kinds of things are bonuses,” Thomas said. “11 years in Connecticut. That was the longest 10-year stretch by a player, but I think for me it was time for a change just to be in a bigger market in a bigger city, and to have something like this. I am getting older, so having stuff like this where I can take care of my body is a big deal and the way you see yourself.”
While winning her first WNBA championship is a primary goal, Thomas also prioritizes her career longevity. She has invested considerable effort in her body throughout her eleven years in Connecticut. Now, she aims to enhance her legacy during this new phase in the post-Taurasi landscape.
Image Source: Alyssa Thomas @ Instagram
