League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Sparks trade Kelsey Plum to Mercury ahead of WNBA deadline

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 12:31 AM

Last updated Aug 3, 2026

Sparks trade Kelsey Plum to Mercury ahead of WNBA deadline

Summary

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.

Source Links

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Market Watch

•Sparks trade Kelsey Plum to Mercury for future draft picks.
•Plum has been out with injury but leads all players in midseason scoring.
•Lynx sit atop the standings with a 25-6 record and a 10-game win streak.
•Minnesota opted against trades, maintaining their current roster success.
•Liberty's inactivity raises questions amid playoff struggles.

Latest Updates

2:39 PMNBCSports.com — 2026 WNBA Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: Kelsey Plum dealt to the Mercury - nbcsports.com
12:31 AMCBS Sports — WNBA trade deadline winners and losers: Lynx stay on top by staying pat, Mercury and Plum liven playoff race

What they're saying

"
Even with fewer transactions than fans may have hoped for, there were still clear winners and losers from a trade deadline that was both quiet and dramatic.
— NBCSports.comby Jackie Powell