Sparks trade Plum to Mercury for Akoa Makani, draft picks

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 3, 2026

The Los Angeles Sparks traded all-star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for forward Monique Akoa Makani and two future draft picks, finalizing the deal just before the WNBA trade deadline. This move aims to boost Phoenix's struggling 11-19 team as Plum, recovering from injury, looks to help the Mercury close the gap on playoff contention while becoming a free agent after the season.

The Los Angeles Sparks have traded all-star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for forward Monique Akoa Makani, a first-round pick in the 2027 WNBA draft, and a second-round selection in 2028. The trade was finalized late Saturday, just before the league’s trade deadline on Sunday, marking a rare midseason move involving an all-star player.

Plum, who had been sidelined since June 21 due to a lower leg injury, was expected to return to play in the Sparks’ Sunday game against the Portland Trail Blazers before the trade was completed. She will join the Mercury and wear jersey number 0. Phoenix’s next game is scheduled for Monday against the Chicago Sky.

Prior to her injury, Plum was averaging career-high numbers with 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game. The Sparks have struggled to find consistency without her, losing their last six contests. Los Angeles acquired Plum before the 2025 season in a trade that sent a high draft pick to Seattle, a move aimed at expediting the team’s rebuilding process. Seattle used that second overall pick on Dominique Malonga, who has earned all-star honours this season.

Phoenix currently holds an 11-19 record and trails the eighth-place New York Liberty by six games. The Mercury, runners-up in last year’s WNBA Finals, have yet to replicate that form this season despite returning key players Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. The Mercury fell just short against New York in a 94-92 loss on Saturday.

Monique Akoa Makani, who the Sparks received in the trade, has appeared in 16 games this season, averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 assists. She missed time earlier in the year due to a hamstring injury. Phoenix general manager Nick U’Ren praised Plum’s impact and versatility, calling her a “fierce competitor” with the ability to influence both ends of the court and expressing enthusiasm about adding her to the Mercury roster as they look to build for the future.

Plum will become a free agent at the conclusion of the season, leaving her next destination beyond Phoenix’s roster uncertain.

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