Sparks Send All-Star Guard Kelsey Plum To Mercury In Blockbuster Trade

The Los Angeles Sparks traded All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury ahead of the WNBA trade deadline. In exchange, the Sparks received a first-round draft pick for next year, player Monique Akoa Makani, and a second-round draft choice in 2028. The agreement was finalized late Saturday night and initially reported by ESPN. Mid-season trades involving reigning WNBA All-Stars are rare, having occurred only a handful of times in league history. Plum is a free agent at the conclusion of the current season. Plum has been sidelined since June 21 due to a lower leg injury. Prior to the injury, she averaged 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game. She had practiced earlier in the week and was expected to play Sunday in the Sparks' game against Portland before the trade was completed. The Phoenix Mercury hold an 11-19 record and stand six games behind the New York Liberty for the eighth playoff position. Phoenix advanced to the WNBA Finals last season and retains returning stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. The Mercury's next game is scheduled for Monday against the Chicago Sky in Chicago. Monique Akoa Makani has averaged 9.4 points and 2.5 assists over 16 games this season, following an earlier absence due to a hamstring issue. The Los Angeles Sparks originally acquired Plum prior to the previous season in a blockbuster transaction that sent the No. 2 overall draft pick to the Seattle Storm. Seattle utilized that selection to draft Dominique Malonga. Los Angeles has struggled during Plum's absence, losing its last six consecutive games.