Kelsey Plum traded from Los Angeles Sparks to Phoenix Mercury for draft picks and Monique Akoa Makani
Five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum was dealt to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani and future first- and second-round draft selections as the Sparks continue a losing streak.
The Los Angeles Sparks have sent guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury in a trade that includes Monique Akoa Makani and a 2027 first-round pick plus a 2028 second-round pick, according to sources. The transaction was completed late Saturday, making Plum only the fourth All-Star to be moved midseason in WNBA history.
Plum, a two-time champion, has been sidelined since June 21 with a lower-leg injury and was expected to return for the Sparks' game against the Portland Fire on Sunday. Her availability for the Mercury's upcoming matchup with the Chicago Sky remains uncertain.
The Sparks, now 10-17, are enduring a six-game losing streak and have gone 2-9 without Plum, who missed additional time earlier in the season due to an ankle injury. Before the trade, Plum was leading the league with 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game, both career highs.
Los Angeles had previously aimed to accelerate a rebuild by acquiring Plum with the No. 2 draft pick for the 2025 season and adding veterans Nneka Ogwumike and Ariel Atkins. However, the team appears unlikely to reach the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year and faces an unclear draft position.
The Sparks also recently dismissed general manager Raegan Pebley, promoting assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen to interim roles.
The Mercury, currently 11-19 and well behind the league leaders, gain Plum's scoring, playmaking, and championship experience as they look to improve after reaching the WNBA Finals last season.