After weeks of speculation, the Los Angeles Sparks finally traded star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday. In return, the Sparks will receive Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick.
News of the late-night trade spread quickly, sparking widespread discussion throughout the WNBA community.
Phoenix Lands Kelsey Plum in Stunning Trade as WNBA Community Erupts
The Sparks were arguably left with no option but to trade Plum, who reportedly was not keen on re-signing with the team. A five-time All-Star, LA didn’t want to risk losing her without anything in return, so they shipped her to Phoenix ahead of Sunday’s trade deadline.
Unsurprisingly, the trade drew reactions from the WNBA community.
“Man, Sparks gave her up for bag of chips. Man, they don’t like her fr,” an X user wrote.
Man Sparks gave her up for bag chips 😭😭😭 man they don’t like her fr 🌚🌚🌚🌚
— Black Envy Clubhouse (@BlackEnvyClubH) August 2, 2026
“This is terrible. Absolutely (expletive) terrible and I’m not a fan of either team or player,” another X user added.
“Monique doesn’t even average 10, let alone any other stats. I wonder what the Sparks see that we don’t,” a WNBA observer continued.
Monique doesn’t even average 10 let alone any other stats. I wonder what the Sparks see that we don’t
— DAMN HOW YOU KNOW?! (@_majuanshoc) August 2, 2026
“Sparks FLEECED if Kelsey DOESN’T Sign Back With The Mercury,” another X user tweeted.
“Wild trade. Paid too much for her to start, gave away Rickea for Atkins, and now gave her away for Makani and a shot in the dark next season. Copper being a FA next year makes sense. Huge win for Phoenix,” a WNBA supporter noted.
Wild trade. Paid too much for her to start, gave away Rickea for Atkins, and now gave her away for Makani and a shot in the dark next season. Copper being a FA next year makes sense. Huge win for Phoenix
— Just Ca$h (@Ejustcashmoney) August 2, 2026
Heading into the weekend, the New York Post’s Madeline Kenney had reported that the Mercury, the New York Liberty, and the Atlanta Dream showed serious interest in acquiring the No. 1 pick of the 2017 WNBA draft.
Plum hasn’t played since June 21 due to a lower left leg injury, an issue that hasn’t stopped multiple teams from trying to pry her away from Los Angeles.
The lefty guard resumed practicing with the team and had been enjoying the best offensive season of her career, averaging career highs of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game.
Kelsey Plum will play in Los Angeles as a member of the Mercury on August 11, in a game that will be at Galen Center against the Sparks.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) August 2, 2026
She’s also recording 1.2 steals per contest, tied for the best of her career.
Plum arrived in Los Angeles in 2025 after seven seasons with the Las Vegas Aces. She was part of a three-team trade that saw former Seattle Storm star Jewell Loyd replace her spot on the Aces.
SEE ALSO: ‘Face Of the League’ – WNBA World Reacts As Caitlin Clark Rewrites History Books
The Mercury are hoping that Plum could give their postseason aspirations a boost. After losing in the 2025 WNBA Finals, Phoenix has struggled this year.
The Mercury are 12th with an 11-19 record. With one of the league’s best scorers and playmakers, the trade points to the team’s effort to go for a strong finish and possibly push them into the playoffs.
