Kelsey Plum has officially traded the palm trees for the desert. Before the August 2 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Sparks made a blockbuster move, sending the five-time All-Star to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick.
While reports indicated that Plum was actively seeking an exit from Los Angeles, analysts are questioning whether this aggressive gamble will pay off for the struggling Phoenix team.
Erica Ayala Calls Phoenix Mercury’s Acquisition of Kelsey Plum a ‘Risk’
Speaking on CBS Sports HQ with host Hailey Sutton, WNBA analyst Erica Ayala broke down the potential pitfalls for the Mercury after the team landed Plum.
“I guess my biggest question right now is, will it stick? Because either way, Kelsey Plum will still be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. So, this makes this a really high danger and a risk, if you will, for a Phoenix Mercury squad that just didn’t have it,” stated Ayala.
“It just felt like the Phoenix Mercury were expecting to retain Satou Sabally. That didn’t happen. So, they’ve now got Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and a team that’s sitting in 12th place. While this move may work some to get them to move up, I don’t think it’s going to get them a top-eight spot, which likely means this is a team missing the playoffs.”
She added, “Now, as far as Kelsey Plum… she’s coming off of an injury, will likely have a minutes restriction either way. So, I don’t think she’s hurt or harmed, especially because she will still be an unrestricted free agent. Gets to test somewhere new and see how it works.”
While the trade might bring new challenges for the Mercury, it sets in motion the Sparks’ full-scale rebuild. Ayala noted that Makani’s addition to the roster will bring some “spark,” but the young star isn’t “necessarily going to place them securely and squarely in a top-eight spot.”
Ayala concluded, “I don’t know exactly what Phoenix was thinking here… Maybe they are hedging their bets that with a player like Kelsey Plum that they have enough [to make the playoffs]… I think it’s an outside chance. I’m not a betting woman, but this probably wouldn’t be one I would put money on.”
During the 2025 season, the former No. 1 overall pick averaged 19.5 points, 5.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game over 43 contests. She shot 42.2% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and 89.3% from the free-throw line.
MORE: ‘Gave Her Up for Bag of Chips’ – WNBA World Reacts to Sparks, Mercury’s Stunning Late-Night Kelsey Plum Trade
Before injuring her left leg on June 21, the 31-year-old had played in 12 games this season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 52.7% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc.
Plum’s trade signals a bold new direction for both the Mercury and the Sparks. With the 2026 WNBA postseason starting in late September, the race is about to intensify. All eyes will be on Plum to see whether her presence can turn things around for the 11-19 Mercury, or if this high-stakes move will fall short of expectations.
