Kelsey Plum Traded to Phoenix Mercury
Kelsey Plum is on her way to join the Phoenix Mercury. The Los Angeles Sparks have traded the five-time All-Star guard to the Mercury in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-round draft pick. This significant trade happened late Saturday night, just hours before the WNBA trade deadline on Sunday afternoon.
The deal brings one of the biggest names in the market to a Mercury team eager to make another postseason run.
Plum is a two-time WNBA champion and has been sidelined since June 21 due to an injury to her lower left leg. There was an expectation for her to return on Sunday against the Portland Fire with limited minutes. However, her availability for the Mercury’s next game against the Chicago Sky on Monday remains uncertain.
Before her injury, the 31-year-old was enjoying one of her most productive seasons. She averaged 23.9 points and 6.4 assists in 12 games, achieving career highs and leading the league in scoring earlier in the season. Her stint with the Los Angeles Sparks lasted only a season and a half.
Plum was brought to Los Angeles before the 2025 season following a trade involving the No. 2 overall draft pick. This move was part of the Sparks’ strategy to accelerate their rebuild around promising players like Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. Seattle used that pick to draft Dominique Malonga, who became an All-Star by her second season. Unfortunately, the anticipated turnaround for the Sparks did not materialize. They missed the playoffs in 2025 and currently sit at a 10-17 record after a six-game losing streak. The team has struggled with a 2-9 record during Plum’s absence, and they face the prospect of missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year.
Plum’s departure follows Los Angeles parting ways with general manager Raegan Pebley in July. Assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen are currently managing on an interim basis. Plum, set to become a free agent after this season, reportedly had no plans to re-sign with the Sparks, making her a prominent trade candidate. Although both the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream showed interest, the deal with Phoenix pulled through.
The Mercury, enduring their own challenging season with an 11-19 record, are determined to advance despite being six games behind the eighth-place Liberty for the final playoff spot. Plum’s addition is expected to bolster the team as she brings her scoring skills, playmaking ability, and championship experience to Phoenix. She will likely alleviate some of the offensive pressure on Alyssa Thomas, who is leading the team with 8.3 assists per game.
This transfer marks only the fourth occasion in WNBA history where an All-Star has been traded mid-season.
Amber Harding reports on this development for OutKick.