The Los Angeles Sparks traded five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-round selection just ahead of the WNBA trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Sparks have ended the Kelsey Plum era in a late-night blockbuster, dealing the star guard to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-rounder. The deal comes as the WNBA trade deadline hits Sunday at 3 p.m.
Why the Sparks Pulled the Plug on a Blockbuster Core
When the Sparks acquired Plum in the 2025 offseason by trading the No. 2 draft pick—which became All-Star Dominique Malonga—the franchise hoped to fast-track its return to contention after missing the postseason since 2020. Instead, Los Angeles missed the playoffs in 2025 with a 21–23 record, and a lower left leg injury sidelined Plum on June 21 of this year, plunging the team into a six-game losing streak.
At 10–17 and sitting 5 1/2 games out of a playoff spot, the Sparks are pulling the plug on the current season. League executives indicated that Plum was unlikely to re-sign in Los Angeles as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, forcing the organization’s hand to recoup value rather than risk losing her for nothing, according to The Athletic.
The trade also follows significant front-office turnover in Los Angeles, where the franchise fired general manager Raegan Pebley on July 12 and elevated assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen on an interim basis.
Phoenix Mercury Add an Instant Scoring Punch
For the Mercury, acquiring Plum provides an immediate remedy for an offense that has struggled following Satou Sabally’s departure to New York. Phoenix ranks 12th in the league in offensive rating this season with an 11–19 record, sitting six games back of the eighth-place New York Liberty.
Before her injury sidelined her, Plum averaged 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc in 12 appearances. She trails only A’ja Wilson in field-goal percentage among top-10 scorers and ranks second in the league in scoring.
Phoenix expects Plum to slot in alongside Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. Because Thomas handles substantial playmaking duties, Plum will not be forced to shoulder the entire offensive load as she did in Los Angeles. Furthermore, Plum and Copper share an agent, giving the Mercury confidence in their ability to retain her beyond the 2026 season.
Draft Equity and Fan Reactions to a Rare Midseason Trade
Midseason trades involving All-Star players are exceptionally rare in the WNBA. The last occurrence took place in 2015, when the Chicago Sky traded Sylvia Fowles to the Minnesota Lynx—a move that culminated in a championship and a Finals MVP award for Fowles. The Mercury are hoping for a similar late-season spark.
In return, Los Angeles secures valuable draft capital, adding what projects to be a lottery pick in 2027 alongside the 2028 second-rounder. The Sparks also add Monique Akoa Makani, a 24-year-old guard who started for a WNBA finalist last season, shoots 41% from 3-point range, and is under team control at the league minimum through 2027 before becoming a reserved free agent.
News of the transaction quickly ignited intense discussion across social media platforms, with supporters and observers questioning the return value for a star guard.
“Man, Sparks gave her up for bag of chips. Man, they don’t like her fr,”
X user, via Pro Football Network
“Wild trade. Paid too much for her to start, gave away Rickea for Atkins, and now gave her away for Makani and a shot in the dark next season. Copper being a FA next year makes sense.”
WNBA supporter, via Pro Football Network
Prior to the trade becoming public, Plum addressed the mounting speculation regarding her future during a media availability ahead of the Sparks’ scheduled Sunday game against the Portland Fire at the Moda Center.
“I’m not taking anything personal. I’m gonna be where my feet are. I play for the Sparks.”
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks guard
Instead of suiting up in Los Angeles, Plum pivots toward her next chapter with Phoenix, while the Sparks navigate the remainder of a challenging rebuilding campaign.
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