Kelsey Plum’s Blockbuster Trade to the Phoenix Mercury: Early Impact and Uncertain Future

In early August, the Phoenix Mercury traded guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick, to the Los Angeles Sparks for five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum. Plum will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season, despite a recent calf injury.

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Plum’s move follows a February 2025 transfer from the Las Vegas Aces to the Sparks. With the Sparks she posted career-high averages of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists before a lower-left-leg injury sidelined her on June 21. The Mercury trade marks her second major relocation in under two years.

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• May 13, 2026 – Diana Taurasi urged Plum to “sign the extension” before a crowd of 16,000.

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

• June 21 – Plum’s leg injury began with the Sparks.

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• August 3 – GM Nick U’Ren explained the trade in a press conference.

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• August 27 – Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner posted a farewell Instagram message after her contract was bought out.

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• The Mercury sit at 13-26, the fourth-worst record in the league.

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• Since Plum’s arrival the team is 2-8 overall and 1-4 in games she played.

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

• In her debut Plum logged 20 points, 4 assists, and a perfect 5-for-5 free-throw line, securing the only win she has appeared in.

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

• Over five games for Phoenix her averages are 15.8 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 rebounds, down from her Sparks numbers.

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• She missed Thursday’s game as the team continues to manage her calf injury.

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

Coach Nate Tibbetts said Plum’s limited minutes still show promise, especially alongside veteran forward Alyssa Thomas. Diana Taurasi publicly encouraged Plum to stay in Phoenix, calling it a “full-circle moment” for the younger guard.

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

• “D.T. was the reason I started playing basketball,” — Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

• “These are reps that we need,” — Nate Tibbetts, Mercury coach

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

ABC News highlighted optimism around Plum’s arrival as a new franchise cornerstone, while EssentiallySports noted a sharp decline in team performance after the trade, citing the Mercury’s poor win-loss record and Plum’s reduced output. Neither source offers a full assessment of her health trajectory or the long-term plan beyond 2027.

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Plum will enter unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season. The Mercury have indicated that, if contract situations align, Plum, Thomas, and guard Kahleah Copper are intended to form the core for 2027. The team’s ability to improve will depend on Plum’s health and her integration with veteran teammates.

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