Kelsey Plum traded from Los Angeles Sparks to Phoenix Mercury

The Los Angeles Sparks traded veteran guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, a move confirmed by the Mercury on Sunday. In return, Los Angeles will receive guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round pick.

Plum, 31, has been averaging a career-high 23.9 points per game in 12 games this season, the highest scoring average for a player traded mid-season in WNBA history. The Mercury, currently 11-19 and ranked 12th in the league, added Plum to a roster that includes veterans Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner.

The Sparks entered the All-Star break with a 10-16 record and a five-game losing streak, prompting speculation about Plum’s future with the team. Reports indicated Plum, who signed a one-year contract worth $999,999 last offseason, was not interested in re-signing with Los Angeles.

Plum missed three games in late May due to an ankle injury and later suffered a lower-leg injury that kept her out for more than a month. She returned to practice on July 30, shortly before the trade deadline.

The Sparks also made front-office changes in July, dismissing general manager Raegan Pebley and appointing assistants Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen as interim managers. Plum, a four-time All-Star before 2026, was selected to the 2026 All-Star roster but did not play in the game.

If she remains healthy, Plum is expected to provide a significant scoring boost for Phoenix as the team seeks a postseason berth.