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.

Thomas was designated as the team’s franchise player earlier this month, meaning the only way she could sign with another team was via trade. The move can't become official until Feb. 1.

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 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 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.

Brasby break down the Phoenix Mercury trade with the Connecticut Sun to acquire Alyssa Thomas, questioning the move from the Sun's perspective — including DeWanna Bonner's future.