All-Stars Alyssa Thomas, Brittney Griner on the move amid wild WNBA offseason

The GIST: The WNBA continues to wreak havoc with not one but two blockbuster deals yesterday. Though the moves aren’t officially official until February 1st, here’s the latest from the hardwood.

Five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas traded from the Connecticut Sun to the Phoenix Mercury: The first of yesterday’s two mind-boggling trades will see the Sun receive Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft in exchange for double-double machine Thomas and Ty Harris.

• Thomas had expressed dissatisfaction with the Sun’s lackluster amenities last season — and notably, the Mercury boast state-of-the-art, W-specific practice facilities, a new standard that’s only been elevated by 3v3 league Unrivaled’s top-tier treatment of its athletes.

Ten-time All-Star Brittney Griner headed to the Atlanta Dream: Just as one perennial All-Star arrives in Phoenix, another is leaving to live her, ahem, dream in Atlanta after inking a one-year deal last night. The move marks the end of an era for Phoenix, who could also be without the one and only Diana Taurasi should she decide to retire.

• As for Atlanta, this is their biggest free agent signing in franchise history, with Griner set to join 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick Rhyne Howard and two-time All-Star Allisha Gray. Still picking our jaws up off the floor.