Kelsey Plum traded from Sparks to Mercury ahead of deadline
8 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 7:30 AM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Kelsey Plum has been traded from the Los Angeles Sparks to the Phoenix Mercury, with Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick going to Los Angeles. Plum, averaging a career-best 23.9 points this season, was secured by the Sparks in 2025, but the team struggled in 2026, sitting at 10-16 before the All-Star break. Reports suggest Plum wanted to leave the Sparks, especially following a series of injuries that limited her playtime and impacted trade discussions. This trade reflects the Sparks' decision to rebuild and their uncertainty following the dismissal of general manager Raegan Pebley last month.
- •Plum is traded to Mercury late Saturday night.
- •Sparks receive Monique Akoa Makani and future draft picks.
- •Plum averages 23.9 points this season but faced injuries.
- •Sparks sit at 10-16 and are on a five-game losing streak.
- •Trade follows the firing of general manager Raegan Pebley.
- 7:30 AMESPN — Sources: Sparks deal All-Star G Plum to Mercury
- 7:02 AMYahoo Sports — Kelsey Plum traded to Mercury by Sparks: Trade details, what we know
- 6:50 AMYahoo Sports — Mercury, Sparks trade grade for Kelsey Plum deal
- 6:46 AMYahoo Sports — Sparks move on from Kelsey Plum, trading her to Phoenix Mercury
- 6:28 AMYahoo Sports — Sparks trade Plum to Mercury for Akoa Makani, draft picks
- 6:27 AMYahoo Sports — Sparks deal Kelsey Plum to Mercury ahead of WNBA trade deadline
- 6:16 AMYahoo Sports — Kelsey Plum reportedly traded to Mercury as Sparks decide to tear it down
"The Kelsey Plum era is over in Los Angeles. The Sparks are sending the five-time All-Star to Phoenix in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, the Mercury’s 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder, league sources confirmed to The Athletic. ESPN was first to report. The Sparks traded the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft (which became All-Star Dominique Malonga) to acquire Plum in the 2025 offseason in an attempt to end their rebuild and get to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. That plan
"The Sparks are trading five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder, sources told ESPN.
"The Mercury and Sparks completed a trade for Kelsey Plum for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first round pick and a 2028 second-rounder.
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 2, 2026, 7:30 AMSources: Sparks deal All-Star G Plum to Mercury
The Sparks are trading five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder, sources told ESPN.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 7:02 AMKelsey Plum traded to Mercury by Sparks: Trade details, what we know
Kelsey Plum is reportedly on the move, with the Los Angeles Sparks sending her to Phoenix.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 6:50 AMMercury, Sparks trade grade for Kelsey Plum deal
The Mercury and Sparks completed a trade for Kelsey Plum for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first round pick and a 2028 second-rounder.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 6:46 AMSparks move on from Kelsey Plum, trading her to Phoenix Mercury
The Kelsey Plum era is over in Los Angeles. The Sparks are sending the five-time All-Star to Phoenix in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, the Mercury’s 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder, league sources confirmed to The Athletic. ESPN was first to report. The Sparks traded the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft (which became All-Star Dominique Malonga) to acquire Plum in the 2025 offseason in an attempt to end their rebuild and get to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. That plan
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 6:28 AMSparks trade Plum to Mercury for Akoa Makani, draft picks
LOS ANGELES -- Another era has ended in the Sparks organization.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 6:27 AMSparks deal Kelsey Plum to Mercury ahead of WNBA trade deadline
The Sparks pulled the trigger on a Kelsey Plum trade, sending the All-Star guard to the Mercury right before the deadline.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 6:16 AMKelsey Plum reportedly traded to Mercury as Sparks decide to tear it down
Kelsey Plum is averaging a career-best 23.9 points in 12 games this season
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