The WNBA trade deadline on Sunday produced minimal activity with only two transactions completed, disappointing expectations that the new collective bargaining agreement might increase player movement. The Toronto Tempo acquired Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow in exchange for Maria Kliundikova’s rights and a 2028 second-round pick. The Los Angeles Sparks then traded leading scorer Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick.
The Mercury’s acquisition of Plum represented the most significant move of the deadline window. Plum, a five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion, has been sidelined for six weeks with a left leg injury but is expected to return soon. This season, she has been averaging 23.9 points per game, marking the highest scoring average for a mid-season player acquisition in WNBA history with a minimum of 10 games played. However, the trade carries considerable risk for Phoenix, as Plum will become a free agent in the offseason, leaving no guarantee she will remain with the team long-term. The Mercury currently sit 5.5 games out of playoff position with 14 games remaining in the regular season.
The Minnesota Lynx, the league’s top team, opted to make no trades at the deadline—a decision characterized as strategically sound given their strong performance. The Lynx own a 25-6 record and maintain a 3.5-game lead over second-place Las Vegas. This success has continued despite Napheesa Collier’s recent season debut following ankle surgery, with rookie point guard Olivia Miles providing historic production. In a recent victory against Indiana, the Lynx secured a 108-100 win with Miles and Courtney Williams combining for 55 points.
The Connecticut Sun, in their final season before relocating to Houston, completed a trade that left them without notable reinforcement. The team sports a 7-22 record and will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty, currently holding the eighth and final playoff spot, made no acquisitions despite ongoing injury concerns affecting their roster depth.
The Sparks accepted their trade of Plum as a necessary rebuilding measure, banking on acquiring assets that could help in the 2027 draft class. The playoff race remains relatively settled, though several teams between ninth and thirteenth place are positioned within striking distance as the season moves toward its conclusion.
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