Veteran Point-Forward Alyssa Thomas Joins Phoenix Mercury, Dominates WNBA

Thomas returns to Mercury after decade with Connecticut Sun, forms formidable 'Big Three' with Sabally and Copper.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:58pm

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the motion and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.Alyssa Thomas' return to the Phoenix Mercury signals a new era of dynamic, team-oriented basketball in the WNBA.Phoenix Today

Veteran WNBA player Alyssa Thomas is making a big move, returning to the Phoenix Mercury after a decade with the Connecticut Sun. The 33-year-old point-forward is joining forces with Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper to form a formidable 'Big Three' for the Mercury. Thomas is embracing a more facilitator-oriented role, leading the league in assists and earning her sixth All-Star selection and third All-WNBA First Team honor in the process.

Why it matters

Thomas' return to the Mercury is a significant development in the WNBA, showcasing the league's ability to attract and retain top talent. Her transformation into a playmaking powerhouse highlights the importance of adaptability and versatility in basketball, as players can evolve and take on new roles to maximize their impact. The Mercury's decision to prioritize Thomas' facilitating abilities demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to team building that could pay dividends in the coming seasons.

The details

After a decade with the Connecticut Sun, the 33-year-old Thomas is joining the Phoenix Mercury, where she'll team up with Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper to form a formidable 'Big Three'. Thomas is embracing a more facilitator-oriented role, leading the league in assists and averaging a career-high 9.2 assists, 15.4 points (on a career-best 53.2% shooting), and 8.8 rebounds. This transformation has earned her her sixth All-Star selection and third All-WNBA First Team honor.

  • In the 2026 WNBA season, Alyssa Thomas joined the Phoenix Mercury after a decade with the Connecticut Sun.

The players

Alyssa Thomas

A veteran point-forward who is making a big move, returning to the Phoenix Mercury after a decade with the Connecticut Sun.

Satou Sabally

A key member of the Phoenix Mercury's 'Big Three' alongside Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.

Kahleah Copper

A member of the Phoenix Mercury's 'Big Three' alongside Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally.

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What’s next

As Thomas embarks on this new chapter with the Mercury, fans can expect to see a more dynamic and versatile version of her on the court. Her return to the league is a testament to her enduring legacy and a reminder of the power of perseverance and adaptability in sports.

The takeaway

Alyssa Thomas' move to the Phoenix Mercury highlights the importance of adaptability and versatility in basketball. Her transformation into a playmaking powerhouse demonstrates how players can evolve and take on new roles to maximize their impact, and the Mercury's decision to prioritize her facilitating abilities shows a forward-thinking approach to team building that could pay dividends in the coming seasons.