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

Things are heating up in Phoenix after the Mercury acquired 5-time All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas in a trade with the Connecticut Sun, per reports.

The Phoenix Mercury are finalizing a deal to acquire Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun. That's according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press Tuesday night on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss it publicly.