The Los Angeles Sparks have traded five time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In exchange, the Sparks receive guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first round draft pick, and a 2028 second round draft pick.
The deal was reported on Saturday night ahead of the WNBA trade deadline. Plum moves from Los Angeles to Phoenix after two seasons with the Sparks.
Plum is a veteran guard known for her scoring and playmaking. She has been named an All-Star five times in her career. She previously won two WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces before joining the Sparks in a prior trade.
Monique Akoa Makani is a 25 year old guard from Cameroon. She is in her second WNBA season with the Mercury. This season she has averaged 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game in limited appearances. She was selected to the All-Rookie team in her first year.
The Sparks send Plum to Phoenix as they adjust their roster. The Mercury add an experienced All-Star guard to their lineup. Akoa Makani heads to Los Angeles along with the future draft selections.
Plum has averaged strong scoring numbers during her time with the Sparks. The trade comes as both teams prepare for the final stretch of the regular season. Phoenix is positioned for a playoff push with the addition of Plum.
The WNBA trade deadline falls on Sunday. This transaction ranks among the notable moves involving an established All-Star player. Both organizations confirmed the details of the exchange involving Plum and Akoa Makani.
Plum will join the Mercury roster for the remainder of the 2026 season. Akoa Makani will report to the Sparks. The draft picks give Los Angeles additional assets for future roster building.