Sparks trade Kelsey Plum to Mercury before WNBA deadline

In a major move ahead of the WNBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Sparks traded five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury late Saturday, August 1. The Sparks received guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for the veteran scorer.

The blockbuster deal, finalized just hours before Sunday afternoon's deadline, sends one of the league's most prominent available players to a Mercury team seeking to bolster its postseason chances. Plum, 31, has not played since June 21 due to a lower left leg injury. Before the injury, she was having one of the best statistical seasons of her career, averaging career highs of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists through 12 games.

Plum's departure from Los Angeles concludes a brief tenure that began when the Sparks acquired her before the 2025 season, hoping she would accelerate a rebuild. That plan did not materialize as envisioned; the team missed the playoffs last year and currently holds a 10-17 record, having lost six consecutive games. With Plum reportedly not planning to re-sign as a free agent after this season, the Sparks faced the prospect of losing her without compensation,...