The LA Sparks traded Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, parting with their top scorer just before the WNBA deadline. In return, Los Angeles received guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick. The Kelsey Plum trade caps a turbulent stretch for a franchise now fully committed to rebuilding.
What Led to the Kelsey Plum Trade?
The move wasn't a shock. Plum signed a one-year, $999,999 contract last offseason and reportedly had no plans to re-sign. By trade day, the Sparks sat at 10-17. They hadn't won in six games, and their playoff window had all but closed.
What Kelsey Plum Brings to the Phoenix Mercury
Health, though, is the central question for Plum.
A lower left leg injury has kept the veteran guard sidelined since June 21st, though she resumed practice on July 30th. Before going down, she averaged a career-best 23.9 points across 12 games. That's the highest mark for any player traded midseason in WNBA history.
Now Plum joins a Phoenix Mercury core of DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper.
The two-time WNBA champion brings five straight All-Star nods to her new home. Phoenix sits at 11-19, but this deal signals a win-now push. If healthy, Plum gives them a proven scorer down the stretch.
