The Los Angeles Sparks traded guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury late Saturday night in a major WNBA trade deadline deal. In exchange, the Sparks received Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick.

Plum, a two-time WNBA champion and five-time All-Star, has not played since June 21 due to a lower left leg injury. She was expected to return Sunday, August 2nd, against the Portland Fire on a minutes restriction, though her availability for Monday's game against the Chicago Sky remains uncertain.

Before her injury, the 31-year-old Plum was having one of the best statistical seasons of her career, averaging career highs of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists over 12 games and leading the league in scoring earlier this season.

The Sparks acquired Plum before the 2025 season but have struggled since, missing the playoffs in 2025 and currently holding a 10-17 record after six straight losses. During Plum's recent absence, the team has gone 2-9 and faces the prospect of missing the postseason for a sixth consecutive year.

The trade occurred just hours before the WNBA trade deadline on Sunday afternoon, sending the league's biggest available name to a Phoenix Mercury team aiming for another postseason run.

Kelsey Plum in action

Sources