Kelsey Plum Traded to Phoenix Mercury in Surprising Move

Kelsey Plum has been traded from the Los Angeles Sparks to the Phoenix Mercury in a surprising three-team deal. The trade, which also involved Jewell Loyd moving to Las Vegas and the Sparks giving up the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft to Seattle, comes as Plum was averaging nearly 24 points per game before suffering a leg injury.

The Mercury, currently struggling with a 11-19 record, are sending a 2027 first-round pick, guard Monique Akoa Makani, and a 2028 second-round pick to the Sparks. This trade raises eyebrows as the Mercury have a worse record than the Sparks, which is unusual for a team acquiring players at the trade deadline.

Despite the trade, reports indicate that Plum intends to explore free agency, making her a potentially costly addition for the Mercury. The Sparks, who have faced challenges this season, recently fired their general manager and may be looking to rebuild with their future draft picks.