With the August 2nd trade deadline approaching, there were trade talks including Alyssa Thomas during the Phoenix Mercury's losing streak earlier this season. However, those have since gone cold.

Meanwhile, Thomas has discarded any and all speculation, as she would rather emphasize team focus on the current season stretch rather than long-term speculation

“I don't think you can look at the whole picture right now…" Thomas said.

"We're focused on what this season holds and trying to make this final push with the little games that are left.” Thomas added, via Mercury reporter Dylan Kane of the IX Sports.

The Mercury might be the team least enjoying the current WNBA season, especially since they were in the WNBA Finals last year but now find themselves floundering at the cellar of the Western Conference table.

On the contrary, Thomas has been nothing short of exceptional, nearly averaging a triple-double for 11-18 Phoenix. She has averaged 14.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26 games this season.

However, at 34 years of age, Thomas is gradually expected to decline for a team that looks poised to attempt to rebuild in the coming few years.

And the signs are already there, even though the trade talks have gone cold, per The Athletic's Annie Costabile.

But it would not be easy for the Mercury to offload the 34-year-old, who still has two years left on her contract. So the Mercury would likely have to sweeten the pot to make a trade go through.

Regardless, Thomas is focused on the present, and she showed us that with a historic stat line against the Golden State Valkyries.

Alyssa Thomas Makes Box Score History

The Mortgage Matchup Center saw the Phoenix Mercury erase a 13-point deficit for a comeback victory against the Golden State Valkyries, 91-89.

Of course, Thomas was at the center of it all, as she had a huge game with 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, while shooting 10-of-14 from the field.

According to StatMuse, Thomas became the first player in league history to tally such numbers on 70% field goals in multiple games.

With the trade rumors, the Caitlin Clark incident, and an All-Star snub, Thomas is probably playing with a chip on her shoulder and showed the world her star prowess.

Thomas is still chasing her first championship, and for that, the Mercury will have to extend their winning streak against the New York Liberty on Saturday.

So, do you think Alyssa Thomas can propel the Phoenix Mercury to the playoffs? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Her Sports Nation!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy