The Phoenix Mercury are the talk of WNBA free agency.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Veteran center Brittney Griner announcing that she would be trying out the market for the first time in her 11-year career caused disruption as to whether or not her days in Phoenix have come to an end. That was answered Tuesday when it was revealed Griner signed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream.
BREAKING: Brittney Griner is signing with the Atlanta Dream after 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, per @ShamsCharania and @alexaphilippou pic.twitter.com/CmPHihzd75
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 29, 2025
It was a busy day in Phoenix Tuesday. As their star big for the last decade got closer to her departure, the Mercury were finishing a deal to bring in a new star: former Connecticut Sun guard Alyssa Thomas.
Thomas was traded by the Sun on Tuesday. She is making her own 11-year change, becoming one of the best players in the WNBA with Connecticut. The veteran has been selected to three All-WNBA teams, including back-to-back first team nods in 2023 and 2024.
The five-time All-Star is a valuable addition to any roster, but a player like that comes at a cost. The Mercury paid up with one of the league’s best defenders.
Natasha Cloud was a part of the deal acquiring Thomas, sending the guard to the Sun after one season.
Natasha Cloud will head to to the CT Sun as part of a trade for Alyssa Thomas. pic.twitter.com/e2YXtGyMPd
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) January 28, 2025
Cloud was sent to Connecticut along with guard Rebecca Allen and the 12th pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft for Thomas.
The Mercury aren’t just losing anyone in Cloud — they’re losing one of The W’s most pestilent defensemen.
In her lone season in Phoenix, Cloud was named to the All-WNBA Second Team. Her 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per game contributed to her being one of the most pestering individuals out on the perimeter. She was also a key element in Phoenix’s offense, leading the team in assists with 6.9 per game and chipping in 11.5 points on average for the fourth most on the squad.
Griner probably owes a great deal of her 17.8 points per game to Cloud, earning a spot in the WNBA All-Star game for the 10th time.
The pair aren’t done with each other just yet, teaming up on Phantom BC in the inaugural Unrivaled League season.
a little phantom recap last night:
???? 29 points from BG
???? 6 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds from Tash
???? BG game winner
???? Ghost Gang DUB pic.twitter.com/fI4JSA4Rv0— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) January 25, 2025
The former Mercury stars show glimpses of what is now the past in Phantom’s slow 1-3 start. The team hasn’t found its formula of success, but Cloud and Griner do get to show a little of what they brought in 2024.
Their season in the 3-on-3 league should be cherished by The Valley because they won’t be partnering up again in Phoenix.
BREAKING: Brittney Griner leaves Phoenix Mercury for Atlanta Dream in free agency
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HEREÂ to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Jordyn Bennett covers the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State, Phoenix area sports and sports related topics. You can follow him on his X account, @j_bennett_live
