Phoenix Mercury acquire Kelsey Plum from Los Angeles Sparks in deadline trade

The WNBA trade deadline closed at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, with the Los Angeles Sparks sending five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In return, Phoenix delivered guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to Los Angeles.

Phoenix, currently 11-19 and sitting near the bottom of the league, hopes Plum’s career-high 23.9 points per game this season can boost a late-season playoff push. The Mercury’s assessment is a B grade, noting that the deal could become an A-range move if Plum signs beyond the 2026 season, but also highlighting the risk of losing a first-round pick and a young guard for a player on a one-year contract that expires after the season.

Plum, a 2017 No. 1 draft pick and two-time champion, has been sidelined with a lower-leg injury since June 21. Sources say she plans to evaluate free-agency options after the season, though Phoenix remains a likely destination.

The Sparks, sitting 10-17, received a young guard in Makani, who averages 9.4 points and 43.6% from three-point range, along with two future first-round selections. The trade earned the Sparks a B+ grade, reflecting the acquisition of draft capital and a developmental player after a season that left the team far from the playoffs. The move also provides salary flexibility and the possibility of rebuilding through the upcoming lottery picks.

Both teams face uncertain paths: Phoenix must decide whether to retain Plum for the long term, while Los Angeles looks to restructure its roster and cap space ahead of the next season.