Kelsey Plum Traded to Mercury, Aneesah Morrow Joins Tempo
Kelsey Plum Moves to Phoenix Mercury
The Los Angeles Sparks have traded All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In exchange, the Sparks receive a first-round pick for next year, Monique Akoa Makani, and a 2028 second-round draft choice. The deal was concluded late on Saturday, just before Sunday’s trade deadline, with ESPN reporting it first.
All-Star trades are unusual mid-season, making this a noteworthy event. Phoenix Mercury’s GM, Nick U’Ren, noted, “Kelsey is one of the league’s most dynamic players. She is a fierce competitor with a winning mentality.” Plum is recognized for her shooting skills and decision-making, making her a complete guard. The Mercury anticipates her contributions as she joins them.
Plum, wearing No. 0 for the Mercury, is currently a free agent and has been recovering from a lower leg injury since June 21. She was expected to play for the Sparks on Sunday before the trade. Phoenix’s next game is on Monday against Chicago.
Before her injury, Plum was having an impressive season, averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game. The Sparks have struggled without her, losing their last six games. Phoenix, 11-19 this season, is trailing the New York Liberty by six games for the eighth spot. Despite returning stars, the Mercury haven’t replicated last season’s Finals appearance form.
Akoa Makani, part of the trade, averages 9.4 points and 2.5 assists. She dealt with a hamstring injury earlier this season. Plum joined the Sparks last year in a major trade with Seattle, who used the No. 2 pick to select Dominique Malonga, now an All-Star.
Aneesah Morrow Joins Toronto Tempo
The Toronto Tempo acquired forward Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun. In return, the Tempo gave their 2028 second-round draft pick and the rights to Maria Kliundikova. Morrow has a background in Chicago, having played at Simeon and DePaul before transferring to LSU.
Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers expressed enthusiasm, “We’re thrilled to welcome Aneesah. She’s a relentless competitor, impacting games with her rebounding.” Morrow is a promising frontcourt talent, averaging 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season with nine double-doubles.
Connecticut Sun’s president, Jen Rizzotti, appreciated Morrow’s contributions, “She embraced our vision and was a tremendous ambassador.” Morrow has built meaningful relationships with fans, teammates, and staff.
Kliundikova, selected 11th in the 2018 WNBA draft, played with the Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx before being picked in the Tempo’s expansion draft. Her averages include 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds during her time with the Sparks.
The Tempo face challenges with their current 10-18 standing, plagued by injuries to key players. Starting guard Brittney Sykes and rookie Kiki Rice have been sidelined, impacting team performance.