Chicago, USA, June 24, 2025: Kelsey Plum 10 Los Angeles Sparks is seen during the game between the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday June 24, 2025 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-8P6A5226
Chicago, USA, June 24, 2025: Kelsey Plum 10 Los Angeles Sparks is seen during the game between the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday June 24, 2025 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-8P6A5226
Trading the franchise player mid-season isn’t really the WNBA norm. But standing on the edges of it are the Los Angeles Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury involving Kelsey Plum. Now, who gets the best out of it?
In a recent episode of Post Moves with Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston, the WNBA stars discussed the Sparks’ trade of Plum to the Mercury, acquiring Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder in the process. And this might be a big game-changer for LA in the long run.
“Juju Watkins could potentially come out next year. The Mercury could have potentially been in that lottery standpoint,” stated Parker. “So right there, you're giving up your opportunity. The Sparks (are) increasing their chance of potentially getting Juju Watkins, keeping her in LA.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 23: USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins 12 dribbles up the court during the women s college basketball game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans on February 23, 2025 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FEB 23 Women s - Illinois at USC EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250224041
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 23: USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins 12 dribbles up the court during the women s college basketball game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans on February 23, 2025 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FEB 23 Women s - Illinois at USC EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250224041
With her phenomenal collegiate achievements, Watkins has the potential to be the 2027 No.1 draft pick. Sparks, who significantly prioritized a “win now” mentality before, acquired the 5-time All-Star Plum in 2025 to end their 6-season playoff drought, have finally decided to move on.
The writing has been on the wall for quite a while for LA. Surely Plum's average is a career-high 23.3 points and 6.1 assists this season. But with the 2nd-worst defensive rating in the league and a veteran core, a rebuild is what will benefit the Sparks.
On the other end, the Mercury reached the finals last season but has been lacking offensive production ever since Satou Sabally’s departure to the NY Liberty this April. Paired with Mercury stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, Plum can be an immediate help.
Parker would call this a battle of “trying to win versus trying to fight for the future.” And in this race, Mercury would hope Plum stands by them.
Phoenix Sees Kelsey Plum as the Missing Piece
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania and Kendra Andrews, Plum intends to go through the free agency process nonetheless. However, GM Nick U'Ren would much rather have her stay in Phoenix.
“Kelsey is one of the league's most dynamic players,” U’Ren stated, per the same ESPN report. “Her combination of shooting, explosiveness and decision-making allows her to create offense at a high level and makes her one of the league's most complete guards.”
“We have wanted Kelsey here for a long time,” he added. “We're excited to finally bring her to Phoenix as we continue to build on our foundation."
So, both teams can have a win-win, assuming Plum stays in Phoenix and continues her offensive prowess. And Sparks lands Watkins, building a young core around her to secure future contention.
What’s your thought on it? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy