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 were finalizing a deal to acquire Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. The Sun also will send Ty Harris to Phoenix,