The Los Angeles Sparks completed a significant midseason trade on early Sunday morning, sending five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. The transaction marked only the fourth time in league history that an All-Star has been dealt during the season. Phoenix sent guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round selection and a 2028 second-round pick to Los Angeles in exchange for Plum, who was widely considered the top target available heading into the trade deadline at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. Only two trades were completed by the WNBA in total before the deadline passed.
Plum’s availability has been limited this season due to injuries, appearing in only 12 games. Prior to the trade, she was averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 52.7 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from three-point range and 80.6 percent from the free throw line through June. Despite her limited playing time, she earned selection to her fifth All-Star team. The Mercury indicated she would be present for their Monday night matchup against Chicago, though her playing status remained undetermined.
Plum’s tenure with the Sparks lasted one-and-a-half seasons after being acquired before the 2025 campaign. While her individual performance remained strong, the team struggled significantly. This season, Los Angeles had posted a 10-17 record and sat in 11th place, five and a half games behind the eighth playoff spot. The franchise dismissed general manager Raegan Pebley last month, and Plum, working under a one-year deal worth $999,999, was not expected to remain with the organization.
For Phoenix, the acquisition provides immediate offensive support to a team currently positioned at 12th place with an 11-19 record, six games back from playoff contention with 14 games remaining. The Mercury face potential history as they could become only the second team ever to miss the playoffs the season after reaching the WNBA Finals. However, analysts noted concerns about whether relinquishing draft assets represented wise long-term strategy, particularly given Plum’s status as an unrestricted free agent who could explore other opportunities during the offseason.
The Sparks, by acquiring young talent in Akoa Makani and securing a first-round pick in what is expected to be a deep 2027 draft class, appear positioned to accelerate their rebuilding efforts following years of unsuccessful playoff pushes.
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