While Kelsey Plum has been with the Phoenix Mercury since the August 2 trade deadline, her future with the franchise will only be answered after the season.

But Mercury legend Diana Taurasi had a simple pitch when asked to bring Plum back in the near future.

Taurasi dedicated her entire 20-year WNBA career to the Mercury, cementing a legacy as one of the greatest players in history.

"My pitch to Plum, where else would you rather be?" Taurasi said. "You've tried the rest."

Taurasi has very much enjoyed her two-decade career with the Mercury, accomplishing three league championships, two FMVPs, one MVP award, five scoring titles, 10 All-WNBA First Team selections, and 11 All-Star selections. Taurasi is the WNBA all-time leader in points, three-pointers, field goals, and free throws.

While Plum is definitely a star in her own right and can also build a legacy on any team she goes to, she did not make any promises about what comes next.

Plum has played four games for Phoenix, averaging 17.3 points and 3.3 assists in those appearances before another lower-left leg injury put her back on the sidelines.

Injuries have really halted Plum's season, who was initially going head-to-head with A'ja Wilson for the MVP honors earlier this season.

While that train has passed, Plum can still have an impact on the Mercury and help the franchise reach the playoffs.

Taurasi's comments come after her incredible career with the Mercury was honored on Sunday, with her No. 3 now hanging in the rafters in Phoenix.

However, the team was unable to end the night on a high note.

Mercury Falls to the Fire on Diana Taurasi's Retirement Ceremony

While the Mercury legend fully enjoyed her jersey retirement, the team failed to do their job on the court, losing 88-85 to the Portland Fire.

DeWanna Bonner was the only bright spot for the Mercury, leading the team with a stat line of 23 points, six rebounds, and one steal. She shot 7-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-10 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line.

While Kahleah Copper came next with 19 points and seven rebounds, and Alyssa Thomas had 17 points and 11 rebounds, they ultimately fell short at home to the Fire's team effort led by Carla Leite.

Phoenix fell to a 13-23 record on the season, sitting at sixth place in the Western Conference standings, as the road to the playoffs gets tougher and tougher.

The Mercury will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining at home, facing the Atlanta Dream.

So, do you think Kelsey Plum and co. can make a late stretch to the postseason? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy