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 draft pick in 2027, and a second-round pick in 2028. The deal, completed late Saturday ahead of the Sunday trade deadline, marks a rare midseason move involving an all-star player.

Plum, who was sidelined since June 21 due to a lower leg injury, had been expected to return to play in the Sparks’ game against Portland on Sunday before the trade was finalized. She is averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season. Following the trade, Plum is set to wear No. 0 for Phoenix, with the Mercury scheduled to face the Chicago Sky on Monday.

Nick U’Ren, general manager of the Mercury, praised Plum’s competitive spirit and comprehensive skill set. “Her combination of shooting, explosiveness and decision-making allows her to create offence at a high level and makes her one of the league’s most complete guards,” U’Ren said. He added that the Mercury have long sought to acquire Plum as part of their effort to strengthen the team’s foundation.

Phoenix enters the trade positioned 11-19 this season, six games behind the New York Liberty for the eighth spot in the WNBA playoffs. The Mercury, who reached the WNBA Finals last year with key players Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper on the roster, have struggled to replicate that success this season. They were narrowly defeated by New York 94-92 on Saturday.

Akoa Makani, who the Sparks received from Phoenix, has contributed 9.4 points and 2.5 assists per game over 16 appearances this season but missed time earlier due to a hamstring injury. The Sparks have faced challenges during Plum’s absence, losing six consecutive games without her.

Plum joined Los Angeles last season in a major trade that saw the Sparks give up the No. 2 overall draft pick, which Seattle used to select all-star Dominique Malonga. The Sparks pursued Plum to accelerate their rebuilding process, and this trade signals a new phase as they acquire assets to continue shaping their roster for the future.