In a rather head-scratching move in the early hours of Sunday morning, the Los Angeles Sparks traded Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. Given that this is only the fourth time in WNBA history that an All-Star has been traded in the middle of the season, fans are forced to ask: Will Kelsey Plum LEAVE the Mercury?
Before the deadline on August 2, 2026, in the afternoon, the Sparks and the Mercury reached this significant deal for the WNBA’s top trade target. Soon after, ESPN‘s Kendra Andrews reported that the five-time WNBA All-Star is likely planning to become a free agent. The newly traded Mercury guard may explore the open market following the 2026 WNBA season.
Plum will complete her first one-year contract with the Sparks. To offer the Sparks greater financial flexibility to assemble a squad, she agreed to a $999,999 contract. The two-time WNBA champion becomes an unrestricted free agent after 2026. Fans are already debating whether giving up actual assets was necessary. Phoenix could have easily acquired Plum in free agency.
But under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, Plum was eligible for a $1.4 million supermax deal. So she will probably pursue that sort of pay if the Sparks are unable to fulfill their playoff goals.
According to Andrews, Plum’s option to re-sign with the Mercury remains open. For the rest of this season and the years to follow, the team can develop around a standout trio with Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. But in addition to receiving a high-paying contract, Plum has the chance to sign with a championship contender. Although staying with the Mercury remains an option, a source told ESPN that Plum plans to go through the entire free-agent process in the offseason.
Plum has not made a long-term commitment to Phoenix, so teams are hesitant to trade assets for a rental. Critics see the move as Phoenix paying a first-round pick for more time to sign Plum for 2027. Plum cannot be signed and moved on a supermax contract. Therefore, it limits Phoenix’s bargaining power in any retention negotiations.
Mercury’s Roster Problems Make Kelsey Plum’s Fit Questionable
In exchange for Plum, who was the league’s top target before the trade deadline, the Mercury traded the Sparks Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick. The Sparks have had a difficult season, but the Mercury have had an even worse one. Now the hope remains that Plum will instantly provide the squad with much-needed scoring firepower.
However, there is still an issue. Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas’s ball-handling technique conflicts with Plum’s function as an on-ball playmaker rather than an off-ball shooter. Thomas and Kahleah Copper are both signed with the Mercury for next season, forming a veteran core around Plum.
Copper, at 32, is in the midst of a career slump. Meanwhile, Thomas’ impact on wins and losses has decreased dramatically. One thing Plum could do is play off-ball beside Thomas, who does much of Mercury’s playmaking. However, Plum’s chances of making the All-WNBA are slim on this team. Hence, her competitive instincts may drive her away in free agency. If Plum seriously leaves, the Mercury’s 2027 roster will heavily rely on a 33-year-old Copper and a 35-year-old Thomas.
According to CBS Sports, Phoenix will not have a first-round draft pick in 2027, marking the seventh consecutive year. On top of that, the Mercury gave up Makani, their greatest young foreign asset, in the Plum trade.
Phoenix’s rebuild is further complicated by the absence of key young star Kathryn Westbeld (out for the season). The Mercury lack a clear path to long-term contention, as they have traditionally shied away from non-win-now strategies.
