The WNBA offseason has been anything but quiet, with major trades and signings reshaping the league’s landscape. The latest moves saw Brittney Griner sign with the Atlanta Dream, while the Phoenix Mercury acquired Alyssa Thomas in a blockbuster trade.
Griner’s Impact on the Dream
Brittney Griner’s decision to leave the Phoenix Mercury for the Atlanta Dream is a game-changer for a franchise that has struggled both on and off the court. The Dream have not had a winning record since 2018, and their attendance has been among the lowest in the league, partially due to their 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena.
However, Griner’s arrival signals a shift in Atlanta’s ambitions. Teaming up with All-Star wings Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, she brings elite scoring, rim protection, and veteran leadership. If Griner can stay healthy and motivated, the Dream could finally break their playoff drought and emerge as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
Phoenix’s Big Move for Alyssa Thomas
As Phoenix lost Griner, they made a power move of their own, acquiring five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun via a sign-and-trade. Thomas, a relentless two-way force, was instrumental in Connecticut’s deep playoff runs and earned consecutive All-WNBA First Team honors.
This deal also involved Tyasha Harris heading to Phoenix, while Connecticut received Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the No. 13 pick in the 2025 draft. The Mercury now pair Thomas with Kahleah Copper, forming one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic frontcourts.League-Wide Implications
League-Wide Implications
Griner’s move to Atlanta and Thomas’s arrival in Phoenix highlight a shifting power dynamic in the WNBA. The Dream are now a serious playoff threat, while the Mercury are positioning themselves as contenders once again. With Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd also switching teams in recent days, the offseason has set the stage for one of the most competitive WNBA seasons in recent memory.
As teams continue to make moves, the balance of power in the league remains in flux. But one thing is clear—the WNBA offseason is far from over.
