PHOENIX — In a blockbuster deal, the Phoenix Mercury have traded for five-time WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum.
ESPN reported the trade late Saturday night, hours after Phoenix lost to the New York Liberty in a close game, 94-92.
In return, ESPN reports the Los Angeles Sparks will receive Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
“Kelsey is one of the league’s most dynamic players,” Mercury GM Nick U’Ren said. “She is a fierce competitor with a winning mentality who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Her combination of shooting, explosiveness and decision-making allows her to create offense at a high level and makes her one of the league’s most complete guards. We have wanted Kelsey here for a long time, and we’re excited to finally bring her to Phoenix as we continue to build on our foundation.”
Plum will wear No. 0 for the Mercury. She is a free agent at the end of this season and has been sidelined since June 21 because of a lower leg injury. She practiced earlier this week and was expected to play Sunday in the Sparks' game against Portland before getting traded. Phoenix's next game is Monday at Chicago.
Phoenix's current record, 11-19, has them in the bottom half of the league and out of playoff contention.
Plum led the league in scoring earlier this season before getting injured and is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists -- both career highs -- in 12 appearances.
On Saturday, DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper both had 25 points for the Mercury and Alyssa Thomas had 17 points. Bonner played in her 565th career WNBA game, tied for second with Diana Taurasi for most in a career.
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