Kelsey Plum is heading to Phoenix. The Los Angeles Sparks traded the five-time All-Star guard to the Phoenix Mercury late Saturday night. In return, the Sparks received Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick.
This significant trade occurred just before the WNBA trade deadline on Sunday afternoon. It sent the most prominent player available on the market to a Mercury team eager for another postseason run. Plum, a seasoned player with two WNBA championships, has been out of action since June 21 due to a lower left leg injury. She was slated to make a return against the Portland Fire on Sunday, albeit with limited playing time. It is uncertain if she will be ready to face the Chicago Sky when Phoenix plays them on Monday.
The 31-year-old was enjoying an exceptional season statistically before her injury. Plum was averaging career highs of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game in 12 appearances and led the league in scoring earlier this season. Her stint with Los Angeles was brief, lasting only a season and a half.
Los Angeles acquired Plum prior to the 2025 season, trading for the No. 2 overall pick in hopes she would help expedite a rebuild. This rebuild focused on players like Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. However, the Sparks’ gamble did not lead to the transformation they anticipated. Seattle used the draft pick to select Dominique Malonga, who became an All-Star by her second season.
The Sparks have struggled, failing to make the playoffs in 2025 and having a 10-17 record after losing six consecutive games. During Plum’s recent absence, the team has a 2-9 record and faces the risk of missing the playoffs for the sixth year in a row. The team also made a change in management, parting with general manager Raegan Pebley in July, leaving Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen as interim assistant general managers.
Plum’s contract situation made her the top trade candidate before the deadline, as she was set to become a free agent and reportedly did not plan to re-sign with the Sparks. The New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream expressed interest in acquiring her services.
By moving to the Mercury, Plum joins a team intent on pursuing success despite having a disappointing 11-19 record. They are six games behind the eighth-place Liberty for the final playoff spot. Plum’s addition should provide Phoenix with a reliable scorer and playmaker. She will ease the offensive duties of Alyssa Thomas, who is currently leading the team with 8.3 assists per game.
This trade marks only the fourth instance in WNBA history where an All-Star was traded during the season.