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WNBA news: Kelsey Plum traded to Phoenix Mercury from LA Sparks
Fox News • • general
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Sparks traded five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani and future draft picks, just before the WNBA trade deadline.
- Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, has been sidelined since June 21 with a leg injury but was expected to return soon; she was averaging career-highs of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists before the injury.
- The Sparks acquired Plum before the 2025 season aiming to rebuild around younger talent, but the team has struggled, missing the playoffs and recently parting ways with their general manager.
- Plum, who was set to become a free agent and reportedly did not intend to re-sign with the Sparks, had attracted interest from other teams but now joins a Phoenix Mercury squad fighting to secure a playoff spot despite a 11-19 record.
- This trade is notable as only the fourth time in WNBA history that an All-Star has been traded midseason, with Plum expected to bolster Phoenix’s offense and relieve pressure on their leading playmaker, Alyssa Thomas.
