January 28, 2025
Locked On Women’s Basketball Bonus: Alyssa Thomas-Phoenix Mercury trade buzz
By The Next
Thomas appears to be on her way to Phoenix with Ty Harris, in exchange for Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the 12th overall draft pick
On a bonus episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, host Howard Megdal shares his latest reporting with listeners about Alyssa Thomas‘s future. As Megdal explains, Alyssa Thomas “appears to be on her way to Phoenix” from the Connecticut Sun, and there’s lots to unpack.
Continue reading with a subscription to The Next
Get unlimited access to women’s basketball coverage and help support our hardworking staff of writers, editors, and photographers by subscribing today.
Already a member?
Login
The Next, a 24/7/365 women’s basketball newsroom
The Next: A basketball newsroom brought to you by The IX. 24/7/365 women’s basketball coverage, written, edited and photographed by our young, diverse staff and dedicated to breaking news, analysis, historical deep dives and projections about the game we love.
Megdal dives into the details of this expected trade. Per Megdal, multiple league sources are saying that Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and what would be the 12th overall pick in the draft would be heading to Connecticut, in exchange for Alyssa Thomas and Ty[asha] Harris, in what was a necessary sign and trade.” Because the Sun cored Thomas, a trade had to happen.
Save 30% when you order “Becoming Caitlin Clark”
Howard Megdal’s newest book is here! “Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar” captures both the historic nature of Clark’s rise and the critical context over the previous century that helped make it possible, including interviews with Clark, Lisa Bluder (who also wrote the foreword), C. Vivian Stringer, Jan Jensen, Molly Kazmer and many others.
Click the link below to order and enter MEGDAL30 at checkout.
Megdal discusses the implications of the trade for everyone involved. “The only person who plays like Alyssa Thomas is Alyssa Thomas,” he states. “In many ways, Alyssa Thomas is coming in to play point guard duties.” But Megdal also goes beyond Thomas and analyzes what trade means for everyone else. “It is by definition, not a done deal yet,” he states, “but the idea of sending Rebecca Allen somewhere where she can score regularly is … very encouraging.” Additionally, “Ty Harris is a player who I have a ton of respect for,” Megdal states, “and she happens to be somebody who is extremely helpful from a perspective of what Phoenix will need.”
Make sure to subscribe to the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast to keep learning about the WNBA, women’s college basketball, basketball history and much more!
Want even more women’s sports in your inbox?
Subscribe now to our sister publication The IX and receive our independent women’s sports newsletter six days a week. Learn more about your favorite athletes and teams around the world competing in soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, hockey and gymnastics from our incredible team of writers.
Readers of The Next now save 50% on their subscription to The IX.
