Blockbuster Kelsey Plum trade: biggest winners and losers
The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries. Plum was […]
In a significant trade that sent Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury, the Los Angeles Sparks have acquired a valuable asset in return. The biggest winners from this blockbuster deal include the Los Angeles Sparks, who were in a rebuilding phase and needed Plum's offensive prowess. Now, they have not one, but two top picks in 2027, along with a promising young player in Monique Akoa Makani, who has already proven herself this season with solid averages. Akoa Makani's addition could prove to be a significant boost to the Mercury's future roster.
On the other hand, the Golden State Valkyries, who had a winning record and were close to the playoff race, are the main losers in this trade. Plum's potential return to the Valkyries would have been a significant upgrade to their team, especially considering her recent form. However, the Mercury's decision to trade for Plum at the deadline suggests they saw her as a valuable asset that could help them in the long run, despite the loss of future draft capital.
The effectiveness of this trade will be determined by Plum's decision to sign a long-term extension with the Phoenix Mercury, as it could either make the move a success or a costly mistake.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
