{
  "id": 46480,
  "title": "Blockbuster Kelsey Plum trade: biggest winners and losers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/blockbuster-kelsey-plum-trade-biggest-winners-and-losers",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T12:39:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1123630/kelsey-plum-trade-los-angeles-sparks-phoenix-mercury"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nOn 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.",
  "summary": "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 […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Los Angeles Sparks acquire Kelsey Plum, boosting their rebuilding phase.",
    "Phoenix Mercury gain two top picks in 2027 and Monique Akoa Makani.",
    "Golden State Valkyries lose Plum, a potential playoff upgrade."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}