• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

WNBA Offseason in Overdrive: Griner, Loyd, Plum, Thomas All on the Move

The Phoenix Mercury traded for five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun, but lost Brittney Griner to the Atlanta Dream in free agency.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It didn’t take long for several more dominoes to fall in the WNBA offseason.

Two days after a three-team deal sent Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd away from the franchises that drafted them, Brittney Griner chose to move on as well. The 10-time All-Star agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, ESPN reported Tuesday. Financial terms have not yet been reported, but Griner made $150,000 last season with the Phoenix Mercury.

The 6-foot-9 center is by far the most impactful free-agent signing for the franchise, which has consistently been at the bottom of the WNBA in attendance. This is due, in part, to playing its home games at the Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of just 3,500, the league’s smallest. 

But the franchise has also failed to finish with a winning record since 2018—and Griner’s addition to a core consisting of All-Star wings Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray puts the Dream, who finished 15–25 last season, in position to break the drought.

From the Sun to the Valley

Griner’s announcement came just hours after it was announced that the Mercury were finalizing a deal to acquire Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun via a sign-and-trade, ESPN reported.

The Sun will also send out Tyasha Harris in exchange for Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the No. 12 pick in the 2025 draft, according to Howard Megdal of The Next.

Thomas, a 6-foot-2 forward who was on the All-WNBA first team for the last two seasons, was drafted in 2014 by the Sun and had spent her entire career in Connecticut. 

She was an unrestricted free agent before receiving the core designation from the Sun—which is a one-year deal worth nearly $250,000, akin to the NFL’s franchise tag—earlier this month. A sign-and-trade was the only option for Thomas to move out of Connecticut, and she chose to play for Phoenix, according to The Athletic

Thomas joins Kahleah Copper in Phoenix, who, together with the now-traded Cloud, was publicly recruiting free agents to join the Mercury by promoting the team’s $100 million practice facility. The former Sun star told The Next in September the team had to share its practice court at Mohegan Sun Arena with a 2-year-old’s birthday party ahead of a playoff game.

“Mohegan has to do better,” Thomas said. “[It’s the] ultimate disrespect.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 17, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talks to media during a press conference before NBA All Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Adam Silver Doesn’t Want NBA Europe to Be a ‘Top-Heavy League’ 

Silver said he doesn’t want the prospective league to be like European soccer.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.

Amazon Sports Chief Says NBA, WNBA Coverage Should Be Celebratory

“There’s too much weird negativity out there,” Jay Marine told FOS.
Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back AK Dear (0) tries to outrun Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Despite Vote Delay, SCORE Act Negotiations Continue on Capitol Hill

Political ad campaigns during college football Saturdays continue as well.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.