The Los Angeles Sparks have traded All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury in a significant mid-season move, according to a person familiar with the deal. The trade, finalized late Saturday night ahead of Sunday's WNBA trade deadline, sends Plum to Phoenix in exchange for a first-round draft pick in 2025, forward Monique Akoa Makani, and a second-round pick in 2028.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because they were not authorized to discuss the trade publicly. The deal was first reported by ESPN. It is rare for an All-Star to be traded mid-season, with only a handful of such trades occurring in league history before this one.
Plum's Injury and Performance
Plum, who becomes a free agent at the end of this season, has been sidelined since 21 June due to a lower leg injury. She practiced earlier this week and was expected to play Sunday in the Sparks' game against Portland before the trade was executed. Phoenix's next game is Monday at Chicago, where Plum could potentially make her debut.
Before her injury, Plum was averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game, solidifying her status as one of the league's top guards. Her absence has been keenly felt by the Sparks, who have struggled without her, losing their last six games.
Mercury's Season and Outlook
The Phoenix Mercury currently hold an 11-19 record, sitting six games behind the New York Liberty for the eighth and final playoff spot. New York edged Phoenix 94-92 on Saturday, highlighting the urgency for the Mercury to improve. The Mercury are coming off a WNBA Finals appearance last season but have failed to replicate that success despite returning stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.
Adding Plum provides a significant boost to Phoenix's backcourt, giving them a proven scorer and playmaker. Akoa Makani, who is averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 assists in 16 games this season, will head to Los Angeles. She previously dealt with a hamstring injury earlier in the season.
Sparks' Rebuilding Effort
Los Angeles acquired Plum before last season in a blockbuster deal that sent the No. 2 overall pick to Seattle. The Sparks had hoped to accelerate their rebuilding process with Plum as a cornerstone. Seattle used that pick on Dominique Malonga, who became an All-Star this season, underscoring the high cost of the trade for Los Angeles.
By trading Plum, the Sparks gain valuable draft assets to continue their rebuild, but they lose a star player in her prime. The trade marks a significant shift in the team's strategy, prioritizing long-term flexibility over immediate competitiveness.
The trade deadline passed on Sunday, and this move is likely to have ripple effects across the league as teams finalize their rosters for the playoff push. Plum's arrival in Phoenix could be a game-changer for the Mercury, who are desperate to climb the standings.
