The Phoenix Mercury acquired five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks in a trade completed late Saturday night. The deal arrives just before the WNBA trade deadline this Sunday. In exchange for the veteran guard, the Sparks receive Monique Akoa Makani along with a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
This move marks a rare midseason trade for an All-Star player. Plum is a two-time WNBA champion who is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season. She has been sidelined since late June with a lower left leg injury but was expected to return to action soon. The Mercury current record stands at 11-19, and the team intends to use her scoring and playmaking to push for a playoff spot.
The trade reflects a shift for the Sparks, who are currently 10-17 and struggling through a six-game losing streak. Los Angeles previously moved to accelerate their path toward contention by acquiring established talent, but the team now remains unlikely to secure a postseason berth for the sixth consecutive season. The organization continues to navigate an interim leadership period after parting ways with their general manager earlier this month.
Plum joins a Mercury roster looking to replicate their previous success. While her availability for the next game remains to be seen, her addition is a major investment for the final stretch of the regular season.