One of the biggest moves of the 2026 WNBA season is official.
The Phoenix Mercury have acquired five-time WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks in a blockbuster trade completed ahead of the league’s trade deadline, according to multiple reports.
Trade Details
Phoenix Mercury receive:
- Kelsey Plum
Los Angeles Sparks receive:
- Monique Akoa Makani
- 2027 first-round draft pick
- 2028 second-round draft pick
The move gives Phoenix another elite offensive weapon as the Mercury position themselves for a championship push during the second half of the season.
Plum appeared in 12 games for the Sparks this season, averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game before injuries sidelined her. Despite her limited availability, she remained one of the WNBA’s most dynamic guards and a player capable of changing the trajectory of a contender.
For the Mercury, the acquisition signals an aggressive win-now approach. Pairing Plum with Phoenix’s veteran core gives the franchise another proven scorer, playmaker, and perimeter threat as it looks to compete for a WNBA title.
Meanwhile, the Sparks continue building for the future by adding promising guard Monique Akoa Makani along with valuable draft capital, including a first-round selection in 2027.
The trade also carries long-term implications. Plum is expected to become a free agent after the season, making this a calculated gamble by Phoenix to maximize its championship window while potentially positioning itself to retain one of the league’s premier guards beyond 2026.
As the playoff race intensifies, this blockbuster deal could prove to be one of the defining moves of the WNBA season.
