Plum trade signals Sparks’ rebuild, boosts Phoenix’s playoff push
The Los Angeles Sparks traded five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani and a pair of future draft picks (2027 first-round, 2028 second-round) ahead of the WNBA trade deadline. Plum, who has battled injuries but was averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists this season, joins a Phoenix lineup led by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper as the Mercury fight to stay in playoff contention. Los Angeles, mired in a rebuild after a disappointing season, acquires young assets to shape the future. CBS Sports grades the swap with Sparks receiving an A and Mercury a D, arguing Phoenix overpaid for a short-term rental.