Key Trades Shake Up WNBA Teams

The Los Angeles Sparks made headlines by trading All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In exchange, the Sparks received a first-round pick for next year, Monique Akoa Makani, and a second-round pick in 2028. The trade was announced Saturday night, just before the Sunday trade deadline.

Trading an All-Star mid-season is unusual. Mercury GM Nick U’Ren praised Plum as a top player, noting her skills in offense and defense. Plum’s potent combination of shooting, speed, and decision-making makes her a valuable addition. Phoenix is eager to have Plum join their team as they strengthen their lineup. Plum will sport No. 0 for the Mercury. Despite being a free agent at season’s end, Plum has been sidelined since June 21 due to a leg injury. She recently started practicing and was expected to play for the Sparks against Portland before the trade. Phoenix’s subsequent game happens Monday against Chicago.

Currently, Phoenix holds an 11-19 record and trails the New York Liberty by six games. New York narrowly beat Phoenix 94-92 on Saturday. The Mercury, last season’s WNBA Finals participants, haven’t consistently performed at that level, despite having stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.

New acquisition Monique Akoa Makani averages 9.4 points and 2.5 assists this season over 16 games and has dealt with a hamstring injury. The Sparks initially acquired Plum in a high-profile trade, giving the No. 2 pick to Seattle, which was used on All-Star Dominique Malonga. The Sparks aimed to fast-track rebuilding efforts.

In another significant move, the Toronto Tempo acquired forward Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun. Toronto traded a second-round draft choice in 2028 and the rights to Maria Kliundikova. Morrow, a Chicago native, excelled at Simeon and DePaul, later transferring to LSU and reaching the Elite Eight twice. Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers expressed enthusiasm, citing Morrow’s rebounding prowess as key to her impact on games.

Morrow’s current averages are 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds, along with nine double-doubles, ranking among the WNBA’s top performers. Sun president Jen Rizzotti appreciated Morrow’s contributions to their team and wished her well.

Maria Kliundikova, drafted by the Sparks in 2018, has a varied history, playing for the Minnesota Lynx in 2025 and selected in the expansion draft by Tempo. So far this season, Tempo stands at 10-18, in 12th place, hindered by injuries to key players Brittney Sykes and rookie Kiki Rice, who recently returned from an ankle injury.