The Los Angeles Sparks traded five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-rounder, sources told ESPN. The deal was completed late Saturday ahead of Sunday's trade deadline.

Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, has been sidelined since June 21 with a lower left leg injury but planned to return Sunday. She averaged 23.9 points and 6.4 assists — both career highs — in 12 games. The Sparks (10-17) have gone 2-9 during a six-game skid without her.

Los Angeles acquired Plum by trading the No. 2 pick before the 2025 season, then added veterans Nneka Ogwumike and Ariel Atkins while dealing Rickea Jackson. The franchise fired GM Raegan Pebley this month, elevating assistants Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen. The Mercury (11-19) sit 13 games back of first place.