Kelsey Plum is on her way to join the Phoenix Mercury. The Los Angeles Sparks traded the five-time All-Star guard to the Mercury late Saturday night in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, along with a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
This significant transaction happened just hours before Sunday afternoon’s WNBA trade deadline. It sends one of the top names available in the market to a Mercury team striving for another postseason appearance.
LA Sparks guard Kelsey Plum reacts at the end of the first half against the Golden State Valkyries at Crypto.com Arena.
Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, has been inactive since June 21 due to a lower left leg injury. She was anticipated to make her return on Sunday against the Portland Fire, albeit with a minutes restriction. However, her availability for Phoenix’s match against the Chicago Sky on Monday remains uncertain.
The 31-year-old athlete was enjoying one of the best statistical seasons of her career prior to her injury, averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists over 12 games, both setting career highs. Early in the season, she led the league in scoring.
Plum’s tenure in Los Angeles lasted just a season and a half. The Sparks obtained Plum before the 2025 season, trading her for the No. 2 overall pick to aid a rebuild centered around Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson.
Seattle made use of that selection to draft Dominique Malonga, who achieved All-Star status in her second season. Yet, the investment in Plum did not bring about the desired transformation. The Sparks fell short of the playoffs in 2025 and presently hold a 10-17 record after enduring six consecutive losses.
The team has struggled, posting a 2-9 record during Plum’s absence, and faces missing the playoffs for a sixth straight year.
Additionally, Los Angeles separated from general manager Raegan Pebley in July, leaving interim assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen in charge.
With Plum set for free agency at season’s end and reportedly intending to exit, she emerged as the league’s most prominent trade possibility. Although the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream expressed interest, Plum is now part of Phoenix’s drive to advance further despite their own lackluster 11-19 record.
Her arrival is crucial. Plum joins as a seasoned scorer, secondary playmaker, and a guard with championship experience. She is likely to ease some offensive demands from Alyssa Thomas, who directs the Mercury with 8.3 assists per game.
This trade marks only the fourth occasion in WNBA history where an All-Star has been traded during the playing season.