Kelsey Plum traded to Mercury by Sparks: Trade details, what we know

The Los Angeles Sparks touted the acquisition of Kelsey Plum as the dawn of a fresh competitive start. Seventeen months later, the franchise is starting over.

Los Angeles reportedly agreed to trade the five-time All-Star and two-time champion to the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night. The move comes shortly before the WNBA trade deadline.

ESPN reported the deal yielded the Sparks guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-rounder in exchange for Plum.

This comes after Plum requested to be moved from the Las Vegas Aces after the 2024 season, leading to a blockbuster three-team trade including the Seattle Storm that saw the Sparks deal the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft to secure Plum.

First-year Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts committed to a “winning season” when Plum was formally introduced in Los Angeles. The team finished the 2025 WNBA season with a 21–23 record, placing 6th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs as Plum averaged 19.3 points per game.

The Sparks are 10-17 so far this season and fired general manager Raegan Pebley on July 12. Since then, the Sparks have lost six in a row.

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WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

If there is an area where the Minnesota Lynx could use a boost heading into the second half of the season it’s guard depth and 3-point shooting. Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor checks both of those boxes.

(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack is averaging 9.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game and could help the Toronto Tempo, who need improved rebounding, better rim protection and a reliable low post scorer.

(Sam Hodde, Getty Images)

Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow is a double-double machine and could improve the Golden State Valkyries’ mediocre rebounding statistics.

(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)

Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James could help the New York Liberty, who rank last in the WNBA this season in turnovers forced per game and are second-to-last in steals per game.

(Ali Gradischer, Getty Images)

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton isn’t getting as much use with the New York Liberty under Chris DeMarco. She could be a fit with the Washington Mystics.

(Michelle Farsi, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink could provide depth in the frontcourt for the Indiana Fever as they’re not getting much production from Myisha Hines-Allen or Damiris Dantas.

(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)

Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby fits the Portland Fire’s style and some of their needs as a versatile player who can rebound, score and defend multiple positions.

(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)

The Atlanta Dream could use a boost in shot-blocking and 3-pointers. There are not many players in the WNBA that excel at both, but the Portland Fire’s Emily Engstler does.

(Ali Gradischer, Getty Images)

The Phoenix Mercury are not very good at defending or rebounding this season. If she’s healthy, someone like Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor could help.

(Kiyoshi Mio, Imagn Images)

With Dana Evans battling an injury and the Chennedy Carter experiment flaming out, the Las Vegas Aces could use another playmaking guard off the bench. Golden State Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen might fit the bill here.

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The Chicago Sky are having a rough go this season. One way to get fans to come to games could be bringing Los Angeles Sparks Sparks forward and Illinois native Kate Martin home.

(Luiza Moraes, Getty Images)

Connecticut Sun center Olivia Nelson-Ododa could help the Dallas Wings with rebounding and rim protection.

(David Butler II, Imagn Images)

The Seattle Storm seem to have an incubator going for raw project players with high ceilings. Saniya Rivers has always flashed the potential but seems to have regressed a bit in her second season with the Connecticut Sun.

(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

It’s just not working out for Skylar Diggins in Chicago. Can she talk the organization into shipping her to Hollywood for a reunion with Nneka Ogwumike?

(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)

Seattle Storm guard Zia Cooke might be able to slip into starting role with the Connecticut Sun.

(Jack Compton, Getty Images)

Plum had not appeared in a game for the Sparks since June 21, when the Sparks beat New York 98-97 at Crypto.com Arena. The team announced that she sustained a lower left leg injury. She also suffered a right ankle sprain in late May that sidelined her for three games.

Plum was asked Thursday about the possibility of being traded, and instead pointed to the fact that she planned to play again when the Sparks visited Portland Sunday afternoon. Tip-off for that game was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT at Moda Center, and the trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 2.

“I’m not taking anything personal. I’m gonna be where my feet are. I play for the Sparks. So on Sunday, I’m gonna suit up,” Plum said.

Instead, Plum will be preparing to suit up for a new team.

The Phoenix Mercury, which lost to the Aces in the Finals last season, have also failed to meet expectations so far this year. They have an 11-18 record, placing them 5th in the Western Conference.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Kelsey Plum traded to Mercury by Sparks: Trade details, what we know

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Kelsey Plum traded to Mercury by Sparks: Trade details, what we know

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

WNBA trade targets for every team as deadline nears

Sooo … About Last Night

Phoenix Mercury swing big, acquire All-Star Kelsey Plum before trade deadline

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