WNBA Trade Rumors: $218,000 Connecticut Sun forward may seek trade after birthday party 'disrespect'

Alyssa Thomas played a key role in leading the Connecticut Sun to the WNBA semifinals last season, where they lost to the Minnesota Lynx in five games. The 11-year veteran is reportedly unhappy with the team and may request a trade.

This follows ownership's decision to host a birthday party on the practice court just one day before the playoffs in September, according to NBA insider Kevin Pelton.

"The question then becomes whether Thomas might push for a trade after telling The Next website during the playoffs that having to share the team's practice court with a birthday party was "the ultimate disrespect," Pelton wrote on ESPN on Wednesday.

Just before their first-round playoff series, the Sun hosted a community event on their practice court. The event, a two-year-old's birthday party, occurred at the same time as the team's practice, becoming a point of conflict for Thomas and some of her teammates.

When asked about what happened, Thomas, who had a cap hit of $218,000 last year (per Spotrac), said:

“It’s normal at this point. I mean, Mohegan has to do better. We’re [a] professional team. We’re competing for playoffs. And yeah, to have to share your court with a two-year-old[‘s] birthday party, [it’s the] ultimate disrespect.

“We need more, we need better to compete at the highest level.”

Looking at Alyssa Thomas' value and where she could end up in the offseason via a trade

Alyssa Thomas is coming off a season where she is widely considered to be among the top players in the WNBA. She averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.

Alyssa Thomas(#25) has been one of the best players in the WNBA over the last five years for the Connecticut Sun. WNBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Lynx at Connecticut Sun - Source: Imagn

Thomas is reportedly upset with the Sun, but she is still one of the top free agents in this year's class. She is garnering interest from most teams across the WNBA this offseason.

Thomas could be cored this offseason, allowing the Sun to retain her, but because she isn't happy with the team, there is some speculation that she could attempt to request a trade away from the Sun. This puts the Sun in an awkward spot as they try to retain four of their top five scorers from last year, including Thomas.

The Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics could greatly benefit from a player like Thomas. Both teams narrowly missed the playoffs last season and could use Thomas' playmaking and defensive prowess to return to the postseason.

Both squads also have the draft capital needed to entice the Sun to deal Thomas away, especially the third-overall pick owned by the Sky.