According to ESPN’s Shams Charania & Kendra Andrews, the Phoenix Mercury have acquired five-time WNBA All-Star and WNBA Champion in LA Sparks guard Kelsey Plum.
Headed to Los Angeles is one of the most impressive young players I’ve seen in my time covering the W, Monique Akoa Makani, along with a 2027 first round pick and a 2028 second round pick.
Her rookie campaign was one that will be respected and remembered by the X-Factor. They don’t make it to the 2025 Finals without Akoa Makani’s fantastic play on both ends of the floor.
In a season that hasn’t gone PHX’s way, sitting at 11-19 and a daunting six games back from the final postseason spot, this move may have caught some off-guard.
In addition to the tall task of attempting a run at the playoffs this year, Kelsey Plum could end up being a half-year rental if she decides not to return after her contract expires at the conclusion of this season.
GM Nick U’Ren and owner Mat Ishbia are betting a hefty amount that Plum will want to stay in the desert.
One would think that U’Ren spoke with Plum’s team before closing the deal, but we can’t forget that her uncertainty in signing a long-term contract with LA is what led to this trade coming to fruition in the first place.
To me, the win-now move makes a ton of sense for the Mercury given how the roster is constructed with Alyssa Thomas (34 years old), Kahleah Copper (31 years old), & DeWanna Bonner (38 years old) being the franchise’s three best players.
Phoenix doesn’t have time to waste and adding another facilitator and scorer of Plum’s (31 years old) calibur will take the weight off Thomas and Copper and bring balance to an offense that stagnates all too often.
Plum & Copper can carry this franchise forward after Thomas’ reign as The Engine comes to a close…that’s all IF Plum does indeed decide to lock in with the Mighty Mercury for the long haul.
The trade also couldn’t come at a better time with the squad hitting its stride at 3-1 in its last four.
The Mercury still face the sixth-toughest remaining schedule as Plum gets acquainted with her new teammates, coaches, and city.