Los Angeles Sparks Trade Kelsey Plum to Phoenix Mercury
The Los Angeles Sparks made headlines by trading their All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In exchange, the Sparks received a first-round pick for next year, Monique Akoa Makani, and a second-round draft choice in 2028. The trade was confirmed late Saturday night ahead of the 2 p.m. trade deadline on Sunday and initially reported by ESPN.
Trading an All-Star midseason is a rare occurrence in the league, marking a significant event in the WNBA. Nick U’Ren, the General Manager of the Mercury, expressed excitement about acquiring Plum. He praised her as one of the league’s most dynamic players with impressive shooting, explosiveness, and decision-making skills. Plum will don the No. 0 jersey for the Mercury.
Plum, a free agent at season’s end, has been sidelined since June 21 due to a lower leg injury. She practiced recently and was expected to play for the Sparks against Portland prior to the trade. Phoenix is eager to see her join the team, heading into their next game on Monday at Chicago.
Prior to her injury, Plum was averaging a personal best of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game. The Sparks have notably struggled in her absence, losing their last six games. The Mercury are 11-19, trailing the eighth-place New York Liberty by six games. The Liberty narrowly defeated Phoenix 94-92 on Saturday.
The Mercury, coming off a WNBA Finals appearance last season, have struggled to maintain their form despite returning key players Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. Monique Akoa Makani, acquired by the Sparks, has averaged 9.4 points and 2.5 assists in her current season after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Sparks initially acquired Plum in a major trade deal with Seattle, trading away the No. 2 draft pick used to select Dominique Malonga, a current All-Star.
Toronto Tempo Acquire Aneesah Morrow from Connecticut Sun
On a different front, the Toronto Tempo secured forward Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun. In return, the Sun received Toronto’s second-round draft pick in 2028 and rights to Maria Kliundikova. Morrow, originally from Chicago, previously excelled at Simeon and DePaul before starring for LSU.
Monica Wright Rogers, the General Manager of the Tempo, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. She highlighted Morrow’s competitive nature and superior rebounding skills, labeling her a promising frontcourt talent. Morrow is currently recording an average of 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, with nine double-doubles to her name this season.
Jen Rizzotti, President of the Sun, acknowledged Morrow for her contributions to the franchise and wished her well in her new endeavor. Kliundikova, another element of the trade, was originally drafted by the Sparks in 2018. After a stint with the Minnesota Lynx, she joined the Tempo through an expansion draft.
The Tempo have faced challenges this season, with a 10-18 record. Injuries to key players, including Brittney Sykes and rookie Kiki Rice, have affected their performance. Rice recently returned to the court after a two-month hiatus due to an ankle sprain.