WNBA trade deadline sees limited moves, Lynx maintain lead while Mercury add Plum
Only two trades were completed before the WNBA deadline, with Minnesota staying atop the standings and Phoenix acquiring Kelsey Plum, while several teams remained inactive.
The WNBA trade deadline produced just two transactions. Toronto sent the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to Connecticut for forward Aneesah Morrow, and Los Angeles dealt leading scorer Kelsey Plum to Phoenix in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani and the Mercury’s 2027 first-round and 2028 second-round picks.
Phoenix now has Plum, who averages 23.9 points per game this season, but the move costs the team future draft assets and does not guarantee Plum will remain beyond the offseason. The Mercury are 5.5 games out of a playoff spot with 14 games left.
Minnesota, which did not make a deal, continues to lead the league with a 25-6 record and a ten-game winning streak. The Lynx’s recent success is attributed to point guard Olivia Miles, a rookie selected second overall, and the return of Napheesa Collier after ankle surgery.
New York, sitting eighth in the standings, made no moves despite a roster that includes Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. The team hopes health improvements for players such as Satou Sabally will sustain its playoff position.
Connecticut, in its final season before relocation, traded away Morrow and received limited return, leaving the Sun with a 7-22 record and out of playoff contention.
Los Angeles, after trading Plum, acquired two future picks and a young player, signaling a commitment to rebuilding after missing the playoffs since 2020. The Sparks broke a six-game losing streak with a win over Portland shortly after the trade.