​Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn ImagesPHOENIX — As the WNBA trade deadline approaches, the Phoenix Mercury could look to bolster their roster as they try to climb back into the playoff picture after a turbulent first half of the season.A report from The Athletic’s Annie Costabile offered insight into where Phoenix has been behind the scenes — and how active it could be again before the deadline. At 10-18, the Mercury sit five games behind the final playoff spot and will likely need to be nearly perfect in the second half to earn a postseason berth.Costabile’s report revealed that Alyssa Thomas’ name surfaced in trade discussions during the Mercury’s losing streaks earlier this season, though those talks have since cooled. Thomas is averaging 14.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8.3 assists this year.While the conversations never led to a deal, they reflected the front office’s willingness to consider significant changes. That urgency remains as Phoenix continues searching for ways to strengthen a roster fighting to stay in the playoff race.Jul 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) holds the ball as Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesOne player who Costabile believes could emerge as a target is Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith. The reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year signed a three-year maximum contract worth roughly $3.75 million but hasn’t seen much playing time in Dallas this season. Smith is averaging 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while coming off the bench.Smith represents the type of player who could provide what Phoenix has lacked at times this season: consistent defensive production. The Mercury have been at their best when they’ve defended with physicality and forced turnovers, but sustaining that intensity over 40 minutes has been a challenge.Jul 5, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith (8) controls the ball as Toronto Tempo forward Laura Juskaite (2) tries to defend during the second quarter at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesSmith’s versatility as a rim protector and defender would give the club another proven defensive presence alongside Thomas while adding depth to a frontcourt that could use another reliable rotation piece.Making a deal, however, would be easier said than done.Jul 12, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith (8) in action during the game between the Wings and the Sky at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe Mercury have approximately $857,740 in remaining salary cap space this season, meaning they would need to send salary t