Alyssa Thomas Returns to Phoenix Mercury: Big Three Reunites for 2026 WNBA Season!

The veteran forward's move back to Phoenix signals a strategic shift towards versatile, dynamic playstyles in the WNBA.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:39am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA game or match, with the action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Phoenix Mercury's team colors of purple and orange, capturing the dynamic and innovative nature of their playstyle.The Phoenix Mercury's strategic move to reunite their 'Big Three' with Alyssa Thomas' return signals a shift towards more versatile and dynamic playstyles in the WNBA.Phoenix Today

The WNBA world is abuzz with the news that Alyssa Thomas is close to sealing her return to the Phoenix Mercury. This move is more than just a player changing teams; it's a strategic decision that could shape the Mercury's future and the league's competitive landscape. Thomas found a new lease of life in Phoenix last season, where the team deployed her as a point-forward, emphasizing her playmaking abilities. This innovative approach led to Thomas' individual accolades, including leading the league in assists, an All-Star selection, and an All-WNBA First Team honor.

Why it matters

The impact of this role was evident in Thomas' individual accolades, but the implications go beyond individual success. This signing signals a shift towards more versatile and dynamic playstyles in the WNBA, challenging the traditional positional roles and encouraging teams to think creatively about player utilization. This kind of strategic innovation can have a ripple effect, influencing how young players are developed and how the game evolves.

The details

Alyssa Thomas, a veteran forward, found a new lease of life in Phoenix last season after a decade with the Connecticut Sun. The Mercury utilized her skills, deploying her as a point-forward, a role that emphasized her playmaking abilities. At 6-foot-2, Thomas became the orchestrator of the offense, averaging a staggering 9.2 assists per game, a career-high. This wasn't at the expense of her scoring or rebounding either, as she still managed impressive numbers in those categories.

  • Alyssa Thomas played for the Connecticut Sun for a decade before joining the Phoenix Mercury last season.
  • In the 2025 WNBA season, Thomas led the league in assists while earning an All-Star selection and an All-WNBA First Team honor.

The players

Alyssa Thomas

A veteran forward who has played in the WNBA for over a decade, including a decade with the Connecticut Sun before joining the Phoenix Mercury last season.

Phoenix Mercury

A WNBA team based in Phoenix, Arizona that has won multiple championships and is known for its innovative approach to player utilization and team dynamics.

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What’s next

As we anticipate the upcoming WNBA season, the Mercury's move to retain Alyssa Thomas is a clear statement of intent. They're doubling down on a system that worked remarkably well for them, and it will be interesting to see how this strategy unfolds on the court.

The takeaway

Alyssa Thomas' return to Phoenix is more than just a player signing; it's a strategic move that reflects the evolving nature of the WNBA. It's these kinds of decisions that keep the league dynamic and exciting, and it will be fascinating to see how this innovative approach to player utilization continues to shape the future of the game.