WNBA’s Dynamic Trades: Kelsey Plum and Aneesah Morrow on the Move

Los Angeles Sparks Trade Kelsey Plum

The Los Angeles Sparks traded All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In return, they received a first-round pick for the following year, Monique Akoa Makani, and a second-round draft choice in 2028. ESPN first reported the deal, finalized late Saturday before Sunday’s 2 p.m. trade deadline.

Trading an All-Star mid-season is uncommon, only occurring a few times before. Nick U’Ren, Mercury GM, expressed excitement over acquiring Plum, citing her dynamic play and winning mentality. He highlighted her shooting, explosiveness, and decision-making as central to Phoenix’s future. Plum will take No. 0 in her new team.

Despite being a free agent at season’s end, Plum’s impact this season was notable, averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists before a lower leg injury. She recently practiced and was expected to compete against Portland before the trade. Phoenix’s next opponent is Chicago on Monday.

The Sparks missed Plum’s presence in their recent six-game struggle. Phoenix, currently 11-19, trails the New York Liberty, who sit in eighth place. New York narrowly defeated Phoenix 94-92 on Saturday.

Monique Akoa Makani Joins the Sparks

Monique Akoa Makani brings an average of 9.4 points and 2.5 assists over 16 games this season. A prior hamstring injury briefly sidelined her. Plum’s acquisition was part of a 2022 deal where the Sparks traded the No. 2 pick to Seattle, which was used to draft All-Star Dominique Malonga.

Aneesah Morrow Moves to Toronto Tempo

On Friday, Aneesah Morrow transitioned to the Toronto Tempo from the Connecticut Sun. The Tempo exchanged their second-round draft pick in 2028 and rights to Maria Kliundikova.

Morrow, a standout at Simeon, DePaul, and later at LSU, is celebrated for her rebounding abilities. Tempo’s GM, Monica Wright Rogers, praised Morrow’s competitiveness and growth potential in the league. Morrow averages 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds, recording nine double-doubles, tying for eighth in the league.

Connecticut Sun’s president, Jen Rizzotti, expressed gratitude for Morrow’s tenure, emphasizing her professionalism and team spirit. Kliundikova, drafted by Los Angeles in 2018, played two seasons with them before moving to Minnesota and ultimately being selected in the expansion draft by the Tempo.

The Tempo are 10-18, battling injuries, namely to Brittney Sykes and rookie Kiki Rice. Rice has recently rejoined after a prolonged absence due to a left ankle sprain.