The Phoenix Mercury's trade for Alyssa Thomas could bring in more of her All-Star teammates to address the team's needs.
Star Brionna Jones is signing with the Atlanta Dream, her agent Boris Lelchitski told ESPN. Jones spent her entire career with the Connecticut Sun, where she was selected No. 8 in 2017. She emerged as a critical frontcourt presence amid their run of six consecutive semifinal berths,
But on Jan. 28, Griner reportedly agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Dream, which would be the 34-year-old's second WNBA team after spending 11 seasons in Phoenix. Fellow top free agent Brionna Jones on Jan. 30 also reportedly agreed to join Atlanta, a major double haul for the franchise.
Brionna Jones is signing with the Atlanta Dream, her agent told ESPN's Alexa Philippou.Jones, a three-time All-Star, has spent her entire career with the Connecticut Sun. She was named Most Improved Player in 2021 and Sixth Player of the Year in 2022.
The Atlanta Dream have signed three-time All-Star Brionna Jones marking their second major free-agent acquisition of the offseason after adding 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner. Jones previously played with the Connecticut Sun. Jones' agent, Boris Lelchitski, confirmed the deal to ESPN's Alexa Philippou on Thursday.
The Sun gave Thomas the core designation earlier in January, meaning the only way for Thomas to be moved was via a sign-and-trade
I hope you’re sitting because the massive free agency deals aren’t slowing down. First, Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd were traded, and now five-time WNBA All-Star Alyss Thomas is on the move. Thomas is reportedly joining the Phoenix Mercury via trade, the second landscape-shifting move in less than a week.
Jones helped the Sun reach the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022, winning Sixth Player of the Year in the latter season.
Thomas, who finished top five in MVP voting the last three seasons, has spent her entire career in Connecticut
Thomas’ fiancée DeWanna Bonner becomes an option, as the six-time All-Star won two titles in Phoenix. The Mercury can try to get some guard depth from the likes of Tiffany Hayes, Natisha Hiedeman and other veterans. Regardless, it seems as though Phoenix will still be top-heavy, and that lack of depth has caused it to fizzle in recent seasons.
Free agent Brionna Jones is signing with the Atlanta Dream, her agent Boris Lelchitski confirmed to The Associated Press.