Sparks deal Plum to Mercury

Plum heads to Phoenix in headline deal

A subdued WNBA trade deadline produced just two transactions, but one carried genuine weight. The Los Angeles Sparks shipped five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury, receiving Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round selection in return.

Sparks play the long game

Los Angeles emerged from the deadline in strong shape. Should Phoenix falter and miss the playoffs, both incoming draft picks could land in lottery territory - a potentially transformative haul. Akoa Makani also brings immediate value, with her defensive instincts and reliable shooting offering useful roster depth.

Mercury gamble on star power

Phoenix is betting that adding Plum will raise the franchise's profile enough to attract further talent through free agency. It's a bold move, though not without downside - a poor run of results could cost the Mercury a valuable high draft pick they've now surrendered.

Head coach Nate Tibbetts faces the tricky task of folding Plum into an established group. How smoothly he manages those locker-room dynamics may define the rest of the Mercury's season.

Elsewhere around the league

In the deadline's other business, Aneesah Morrow was dealt to Toronto, while Chloe Bibby joined the Minnesota Lynx. The Connecticut Sun, meanwhile, appear to have shifted their focus towards future draft capital as part of a broader rebuild.