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

The WNBA offseason went from 0 to 100 quickly with two blockbuster trades near the start of free agency. This time, the Phoenix Mercury have gotten involved in the action by acquiring one of the league's best talents.

It’s the end of an era for Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas. Per ESPN ‘s Alexa Philippou, the Phoenix Mercury are reportedly acquiring the 11-year veteran via the second blockbuster WNBA trade in less than a week.

The Connecticut Sun are reportedly sending 5-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas to the Phoenix Mercury in a sign-and-trade deal after 11 seasons.

The Phoenix Mercury are making a splash in the offseason by finalizing a trade to bring in five-time All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas and guard Ty Harris from the Connecticut Sun, ESPN first reported on Tuesday. According to Howard Megdal of The Next, point guard Natasha Cloud, wing Rebecca Allen, and the No. 12 pick will be sent to Connecticut.

The Connecticut Sun are finalizing a sign-and-trade to acquire star forward Alyssa Thomas from the Phoenix Mercury, ESPN's Alexa Philippou reported

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.

In one of the most newsworthy free agent moves in WNBA history, 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, according to Alexa Philippou. The short-term contract will allow Griner to re-enter free agency next year when a new collective bargaining agreement and higher salaries are expected to be in place.

The WNBA offseason continues to heat up! Just two days after the blockbuster Jewell Loyd-Kelsey Plum deal, another All-Star is on the move. The Connecticut Sun

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.

Phoenix Mercury acquires 5x all-star Alyssa Thomas,Ty Harris in a trade with the Connecticut Sun for Cloud, Allen, and draft picks

Phoenix isn't quite sure what it will look like next season, but it will now build around Thomas after the loss of Griner. The Sun, meanwhile, appear set to embark on a difficult rebuild.