Kelsey Plum traded to Mercury as Sparks decide to tear it down
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Sparks traded star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury, receiving Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick in return.
- Plum, who is averaging a career-best 23.9 points this season, joins a struggling Mercury team aiming to compete with veteran players like Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner.
- Despite Plum's strong individual performance, the Sparks struggled with a 10-16 record and a five-game losing streak, leading to trade rumors intensified by Plum's reluctance to re-sign with the team.
- Plum's injury history in 2026, including an ankle and lower leg injury that sidelined her for over a month, along with front office changes in Los Angeles, contributed to the timing of the trade.
- The Mercury expect Plum to be a key contributor for their playoff push, as she has been a consistent All-Star performer with strong scoring and playmaking abilities.
