WNBA Star Trade
Sparks send All-Star Kelsey Plum to Mercury for Makani and future draft picks
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The Los Angeles Sparks have traded five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury, according to Herald Sun. The deal sends guard Monique Akoa Makani, a first-round pick in 2027, and a second-round pick in 2028 back to Los Angeles.
Plum, who turns 32 on August 24, is having a career year — averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game. But injuries have limited her to just 12 games this season, and she has not played since June 21 due to a left leg injury, Sun Herald reported.
Sparks Send a Star Away Mid-Season
The trade marks a notable shift for Los Angeles. The Sparks are dealing away their biggest offensive weapon in the middle of an active season. Plum is in her ninth WNBA season and is posting the best scoring numbers of her career, according to Island Packet.
Despite the strong stats, health has been a major issue. Plum has played only 12 games out of a possible slate this season. Her left leg injury has kept her sidelined since late June, raising questions about when — or whether — she might return to full form.
Phoenix Adds a Proven Scorer to Its Roster
The Mercury are getting one of the best guards in the league when healthy. Plum has made five All-Star teams and has shown she can carry an offense. Her 23.9 points per game this season would rank among the top scores in the WNBA, Fresno Bee noted.
Phoenix is betting that Plum recovers and makes an impact. Adding her gives the Mercury a dynamic backcourt scorer. The trade is a high-risk, high-reward move for a team looking to compete.
What LA Gets Back: Makani and Draft Capital
In return, the Sparks receive Monique Akoa Makani, a young guard in her second WNBA season. Makani is averaging 9.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in about 23.8 minutes, according to BND.
Los Angeles also picks up a first-round pick in 2027 and a second-round pick in 2028. Those picks give the Sparks tools to build for the future. The deal looks like a rebuild move — trading present star power for long-term assets.
A Career Year Derailed by Injury
Plum's 2025 season has been a story of brilliance and bad luck. Her 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game are both career highs. But 12 games played is a tiny sample. The left leg injury that sidelined her in June has cast doubt on her availability going forward, Sun Herald reported.
For Phoenix, the gamble is clear. If Plum gets healthy, they get an elite scorer. If the injury lingers, the Mercury gave up a young player and two draft picks for limited returns. The next few weeks of her recovery will be critical.
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