connecticut Sun Core Alyssa Thomas, Securing One of teh WNBA’s Elite Players
The Connecticut Sun have made a decisive move this offseason, officially designating 11-year veteran Alyssa Thomas as a core player. This designation ensures that the five-time All-Star will be offered a one-year contract at the WNBA’s highest possible salary of $249,244. Though, while the move prevents Thomas from negotiating with other teams as a free agent, it doesn’t guarantee her long-term stay in Connecticut. Historically, WNBA players have requested trades after receiving the core designation, leaving room for speculation about Thomas’s future.
Thomas, a cornerstone of the Sun’s success, joins an elite group of players cored this winter, including Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm), Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces), Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), and Satou Sabally (Dallas Wings). Her inclusion in this list underscores her value as one of the league’s most versatile and impactful players.
Last season, Thomas solidified her status as a dominant force in the WNBA. She was named to the First Team All-WNBA for the second consecutive year, averaging 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Her ability to fill the stat sheet is unmatched, as she holds the league’s all-time record for triple-doubles. Beyond her offensive prowess, Thomas is renowned for her defensive tenacity, making her a two-way threat on the court.
The Sun’s 2023 campaign was a testament to Thomas’s leadership and skill. The team finished with a 28-12 record, advancing to the WNBA semi-finals before falling to the Minnesota Lynx in a hard-fought five-game series. Four of the Sun’s five starters—Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones, and DiJonai Carrington—entered the offseason as free agents, with Carrington being the only restricted free agent among them.
As the Sun look to build on their recent success, retaining Thomas is a critical step.Her ability to impact the game in multiple facets makes her indispensable. Whether she remains in Connecticut or explores new opportunities, Thomas’s legacy as one of the WNBA’s greatest players is secure.
Key Stats: Alyssa Thomas’s 2023 Season
Table of Contents
| Stat category | Average Per Game |
|—————|——————|
| Points | 10.6 |
| Rebounds | 8.4 |
| Assists | 7.9 |
| Steals | 1.6 |
The Sun’s decision to core Thomas highlights their commitment to maintaining a competitive roster. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this offseason unfolds and whether Thomas will continue to shine in Connecticut or take her talents elsewhere.
Connecticut Sun Face Uncertain Offseason with Key Roster Decisions and New Leadership
The Connecticut Sun are navigating a pivotal offseason filled with roster decisions and a coaching transition, as they aim to build on their 2024 campaign.The team recently extended qualifying offers to two key players, DiJonai Carrington and Caitlin Bickle, while also welcoming a new head coach, Rachid Meziane, following the departure of Stephanie White to the Indiana Fever.
Carrington and bickle Receive Qualifying Offers
DiJonai Carrington, the WNBA’s Most Improved Player in 2024, has been a cornerstone of the sun’s success.Last season, she averaged 12.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top guards. Her defensive prowess and offensive contributions made her an indispensable part of the lineup.
The Sun also extended a qualifying offer to Caitlin Bickle, a reserved player who has shown potential to grow into a larger role. These moves signal the team’s intent to retain key contributors as they prepare for the upcoming season.
| Player | 2024 Stats | Role |
|———————–|——————————|——————————|
| DiJonai carrington | 12.7 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.6 SPG | Starting Guard |
| Caitlin Bickle | N/A | Reserved Player |
Coaching Transition: Meziane Takes the Helm
The Sun’s offseason has been marked by significant changes in leadership. After Stephanie White left to join the Indiana Fever,the team appointed Rachid Meziane,a seasoned French professional coach,as their new head coach. Meziane brings a wealth of international experience, having coached the french and Belgian national teams, and his hiring represents a fresh direction for the franchise.
General Manager Darius Taylor expressed confidence in Meziane’s ability to lead the team, stating, “we believe Rachid’s innovative approach and international expertise will elevate our programme to new heights.”
Challenges Ahead
The Sun face an uncertain offseason as they balance retaining core players with integrating new strategies under Meziane. The departure of white, who led the team to multiple playoff appearances, leaves big shoes to fill. However, the organization remains optimistic about its future, with Carrington’s development and Bickle’s potential offering reasons for hope.
As the Sun prepare for the 2025 season, fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates these changes. Will Meziane’s leadership and the retention of key players propel the Sun to new success? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on the Sun’s offseason moves? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images
Will Alyssa Thomas Stay with the Connecticut Sun Amid Free Agency Uncertainty?
The Connecticut Sun are entering a pivotal offseason, with questions swirling around the future of their star player, Alyssa Thomas, and the team’s ability to retain its core talent. General Manager Morgan Tuck has emphasized an “open-minded” approach to the offseason, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a competitive roster while navigating the complexities of free agency.
“We’ve had a lot of change within the last couple of months, and more change to come, obviously,” Tuck told SB Nation. “But, we’re a Connecticut team, and Connecticut is known for having really competitive teams and really good teams — so I don’t think we can shy away from that and the expectations around how good we need to be. but it takes time — and you have to have change,and get things set up.”
The Big 3: Thomas, Bonner, and Jones
At the heart of the Sun’s success in recent years has been their “Big 3” of Alyssa Thomas, dewanna Bonner, and Brionna Jones. Thomas, a cornerstone of the franchise, has spent her entire WNBA career with the Sun but has openly expressed frustration with the team’s lack of amenities, notably the absence of a dedicated practice facility.
Currently, the Sun practice at the Tribal Practice Facility, part of the Mohegan Community and Government centre in Uncasville, Connecticut. However, the team doesn’t have exclusive access to the space, a point of contention highlighted by Thomas last spring when she described sharing the court with a toddler’s birthday party during the playoffs as “the ultimate disrespect.”
Will Thomas Stay or Seek a New Challenge?
Thomas’s dissatisfaction with the team’s facilities raises questions about her willingness to remain with the Sun. At 32, she might potentially be seeking a change of pace after spending her entire career in Uncasville. However, the Sun’s success in recent years — including a strong playoff run last season — could incentivize her to stay.
Meanwhile, Brionna Jones, 29, has never played for another organization and is coming off a fully healthy season, averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. DeWanna Bonner, Thomas’s fiancée and a six-time all-Star, remains a high-level contributor at 37, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists last season.
Tuck acknowledged that while the Sun have some influence over certain players, others will ultimately decide their own paths. “There are some players that we have a little bit more pull [with], and some where, ‘hey, they get to choose where they go,’” Tuck said.
The Sun’s Offseason strategy
The Sun’s front office is focused on balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term planning.“You just have to look at the full picture and see what makes the most sense,” Tuck explained. “What’s going to help you to remain competitive, but then also set us up for the future as well.”
With guards Ty Harris and Marina mabrey returning next season, the Sun could aim to run it back with a similar core. Though, the lack of a dedicated practice facility remains a significant hurdle in attracting and retaining top talent.
Key Considerations for the Sun
| Player | Age | 2023 Stats | Free Agency Outlook |
|———————|———|———————————|—————————————————————————————–|
| Alyssa Thomas | 32 | 15.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.8 APG | May seek better amenities or a new challenge; pivotal to Sun’s success. |
| DeWanna Bonner | 37 | 15 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 APG | Proven veteran with championship experience; could attract interest from contenders.|
| Brionna Jones | 29 | 13.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG | Loyal to the Sun but may explore options if team doesn’t address facility concerns. |
What’s Next for Connecticut?
The Sun’s ability to retain their core players will depend on their willingness to address internal concerns, particularly the lack of a dedicated practice facility. As Tuck noted,the team must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability.
For fans, the offseason will be a test of the Sun’s commitment to building a championship-caliber organization. Will Alyssa Thomas and her teammates choose to stay,or will the allure of better resources elsewhere prove too tempting? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for updates on the Sun’s offseason moves and how they plan to address these critical challenges.
What do you think the Sun shoudl prioritize this offseason? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
G her entire career in Connecticut. Her performance, however, remains stellar. In the 2024 season, Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, showcasing her versatility and leadership on the court.Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes her one of the most valuable players in the league.
The sun’s decision to extend qualifying offers to DiJonai Carrington and Caitlin Bickle indicates their commitment to maintaining a competitive roster. However, retaining Thomas will be crucial for their continued success. Her departure would leave a significant void in the team’s lineup, both in terms of production and leadership.
Facility Concerns and competitive Ambitions
The lack of a dedicated practice facility has been a recurring issue for the Sun. While the team has been competitive on the court, the absence of exclusive training spaces and amenities could hinder their ability to attract and retain top talent. Thomas’s comments about sharing the court with a toddler’s birthday party during the playoffs underscore the challenges the team faces in providing a professional environment for its players.
General Manager Morgan Tuck has acknowledged these concerns, stating that the organization is working to address them. “We understand the importance of having the right facilities and resources for our players,” Tuck said. “We’re committed to making improvements that will help us remain competitive in the WNBA.”
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Offseason
The Sun’s offseason will be defined by their ability to navigate free agency,retain key players,and address internal challenges.The appointment of Rachid Meziane as head coach brings a fresh perspective and international expertise, but the team’s success will ultimately depend on their ability to keep their core intact.
For Alyssa Thomas, the decision to stay or leave will likely hinge on the organization’s ability to demonstrate a commitment to improving facilities and building a championship-caliber team. As one of the league’s most versatile and impactful players, her future will have significant implications for the Sun’s trajectory.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans are eagerly watching how the Sun’s offseason unfolds. Many are hopeful that the team can retain Thomas and continue to build around her, while others are concerned about the potential impact of her departure. The organization’s ability to address facility concerns and make strategic roster moves will be critical in maintaining fan confidence and competitive aspirations.
As the offseason progresses, the Sun will need to balance short-term challenges with long-term goals. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the team’s future and determine whether they can remain a contender in the WNBA.
What are your thoughts on Alyssa Thomas’s future with the Sun? do you think the team can address its facility issues and retain its core talent? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images
