Sparks trade Kelsey Plum to Mercury ahead of WNBA deadline

The WNBA trade deadline on August 2 saw minimal activity with only two trades. The Los Angeles Sparks traded leading scorer Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury, receiving Monique Akoa Makani and multiple future draft picks in return. Plum, out for six weeks due to injury, averages 23.9 points per game this season. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx opted not to make any trades and maintain their top standing with a 25-6 record after a recent win over the Fever. The Lynx have a comfortable lead in the standings and have not received any reinforcement from other top teams. The New York Liberty faced criticism for remaining inactive despite their current struggles in the playoff race.

• 12:31 AMCBS Sports — WNBA trade deadline winners and losers: Lynx stay on top by staying pat, Mercury and Plum liven playoff race