The Phoenix Mercury have acquired two-time WNBA champion and five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round draft pick, the team announced Sunday.
Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren called Plum “one of the league’s most dynamic players,” praising her competitiveness, versatility and ability to impact both ends of the floor.
“We have wanted Kelsey here for a long time, and we’re excited to finally bring her to Phoenix as we continue to build on our foundation,” U’Ren said in a statement.
U’Ren also thanked Akoa Makani for her contributions during her time in Phoenix and wished her success in Los Angeles.
Plum arrives in Phoenix in the midst of one of the best seasons of her career. The five-time All-Star is averaging a career-high 23.9 points, 6.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 52.7% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range through 12 games with the Sparks. She has recorded seven 25-point performances and two games with at least 35 points this season, including a career-high 43-point outing against the Mercury on June 13.
A two-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023, Plum also owns two Olympic gold medals and two FIBA Women’s World Cup titles with Team USA. She earned All-WNBA First Team honors and All-Star Game MVP in 2022.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft enters her ninth season with career averages of 15.5 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 290 games. Plum, who will wear No. 0 in Phoenix, is one of four WNBA players to record at least 4,000 points and 1,000 assists since 2017. ♦︎
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