The Los Angeles Sparks completed a major trade, sending All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In return, the Sparks receive a first-round pick for next year, Monique Akoa Makani, and a second-round draft choice in 2028. The trade was finalized late Saturday night, right before the Sunday 2 p.m. deadline.
Trading an All-Star mid-season is uncommon, but Plum’s move marks a rare occurrence. Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U’Ren praised Plum, stating, “Kelsey is one of the league’s most dynamic players. Her skills in shooting, explosiveness, and decision-making make her one of the league’s most complete guards.” Plum’s new jersey number with the Mercury will be No. 0.
Plum has been sidelined since June 21 due to a lower leg injury. Although she practiced earlier in the week, she was expected to play in Sunday’s game against Portland before the trade. As of now, Plum’s next game will be on Monday against Chicago.
The Sparks struggled in Plum’s absence, losing six consecutive games. Before her injury, Plum was averaging a career-best 23.9 points and 6.4 assists. The Mercury, currently at 11-19, sit six games behind the New York Liberty, who narrowly defeated them 94-92 Saturday night. Despite returning stars like Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, Phoenix hasn’t matched last season’s WNBA Finals performance.
Akoa Makani, included in the deal, averages 9.4 points and 2.5 assists this season, even after a hamstring injury earlier in the year. The Sparks initially acquired Plum in a blockbuster trade last year, which aimed to spur their rebuilding process.
In another trade, Aneesah Morrow was sent from the Connecticut Sun to the Toronto Tempo for their second-round pick in 2028, alongside the rights to Maria Kliundikova. Morrow, hailing from Chicago, has made her mark averaging 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds, with nine double-doubles this season.
Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers expressed her excitement, saying, “She’s a relentless competitor, particularly with her ability to rebound at a high level.” Morrow’s performance has tied her for eighth place in double-doubles in the WNBA.
The Connecticut Sun’s president, Jen Rizzotti, thanked Morrow for her contribution, recognizing her positive impact both on and off the court.
Kliundikova, formerly of the Los Angeles Sparks, averaged 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds over 40 games before moving to the Minnesota Lynx, where she maintained similar stats. She was part of the expansion draft for the Tempo.
Currently, the Tempo stand at 10-18, with injuries to key players like Brittney Sykes and rookie Kiki Rice affecting their roster. Rice has recently returned after a two-month break due to an ankle injury.