Home / Sports / Kelsey Plum Era Over: Sparks Send Star to Phoenix
Kelsey Plum Era Over: Sparks Send Star to Phoenix
2 Aug
Summary
- Kelsey Plum traded to Phoenix for draft picks and player.
- Sparks failed to make playoffs despite acquiring Plum.
- Plum leads league in scoring despite limited games played.
The Los Angeles Sparks have traded five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. This significant move, confirmed by league sources, sees the Sparks receive Monique Akoa Makani, Phoenix's 2027 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-round pick in return. The Sparks had previously acquired Plum in the 2025 offseason with the intention of ending their rebuilding phase and reaching the playoffs.
However, this plan did not materialize as Los Angeles fell short of the postseason in 2025. Plum's lower leg injury in 2026 further hampered the team's efforts. Currently, the Sparks stand at 10-17 and are significantly behind in the playoff race, prompting this trade as the season winds down.
Despite playing only 12 games in 2026, Plum has been a standout performer, ranking second in the league in scoring with 23.9 points per game and sixth in assists with 6.4 per game. League executives reportedly believed Plum would not re-sign with the Sparks, pushing the team to trade her and recoup some of their investment. This mid-season trade of an All-WNBA player is a rare occurrence in the league.
