WNBA trade deadline winners and losers: Lynx stay on top by staying pat, Mercury and Plum liven playoff race

Key Points:

• The 2024 WNBA trade deadline saw minimal activity with only two trades: Toronto Tempo acquiring Aneesah Morrow and Los Angeles Sparks trading Kelsey Plum for future draft picks and Monique Akoa Makani. Both trades were graded A for the Tempo and Sparks, while the Sun and Mercury received D grades.
• The Phoenix Mercury traded significant future assets for injured but high-scoring Kelsey Plum, hoping for a playoff push, although risks remain as Plum is a free agent and the team is currently 5.5 games out of playoff position.
• The Minnesota Lynx, leading the league with a 25-6 record, made no trades, benefiting from strong performances by Napheesa Collier and rookie Olivia Miles, maintaining their top position without roster changes.
• The New York Liberty, despite struggling and having key players like Betnijah Laney-Hamilton underutilized, chose not to make any trades, betting on improved health and performance from stars like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu to secure a playoff spot.
• The WNBA playoff race remains competitive for the No. 8 seed with several teams close in standings, while the Connecticut Sun continue to struggle in their final season before relocating, and the Sparks embrace rebuilding by trading Plum for future assets.