Kelsey Plum lit up the scoreboard as the Phoenix Mercury clinched an impressive 106-101 win over an energetic Chicago Sky team. 20 points in 21 minutes from the franchise's newest star will help dispel the narrative that this is too steep a price to pay for a player expected to hit free agency in the offseason. If Plum continues this seamless transition, then she will be extremely tempted to extend her future with the team.
Gambling your future on any player is a risk at the best of times, but doing so when you are going to acquire a player for just 14 games seems ludicrous. However, Kelsey Plum is a superstar and has the talent to reignite an ageing roster. If bringing her into the building for just a few months can give you an advantage when her contract expires at the end of the season, then the Phoenix Mercury have made the right call.
It is easy to see why WNBA fans, far and wide, questioned why the Mercury would be willing to sanction this deal. Phoenix gave up Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick in order to acquire Plum.
The trade appears even more questionable as the 31-year-old still intends to explore her free agency options in the offseason, according to ESPN reporter Kendra Andrews.
From the outside looking in, it would be easy to assume this was a gamble that simply wasn't worth the risk. But with added context, it could be a masterstroke by Nick U'Ren and the Mercury -- especially as it appears that Kelsey Plum is already making herself cosy in Phoenix.
Making Plum feel at home will be key to her extending her stay
In my opinion, there are two key components to a player signing a contract with a franchise. First and foremost -- money. As fans, we can question the greed of athletes, but money makes the world go wrong, and often, it supersedes all logical thinking. Stars know their worth, and you best believe they are going to drive a hard bargain if several teams are chasing their signature.
Secondly, the player must feel valued and, to a certain extent, have their ego stroked. Negotiations will be filled with unbearable compliments, compromises, and fake laughs. Everybody on the planet wants to feel needed, and a basketball player is no different. Kelsey Plum will want to know that her next employer believes in her talents. Not only that, but she will need to believe they boast a roster worthy of a championship.
There is no doubt that all of the above factors are true. Phoenix may need to recruit a defensive stalwart; however, Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and DeWanna Bonner can still compete at the highest level. Plum has shown throughout her career that she is a fierce competitor, and having a squad of this calibre by her side will be factored into her future plans.
Of course, an argument could be made that this sales pitch could have waited until the offseason, with the front office able to bide its time to construct a convincing argument for Plum to sign a contract in Phoenix. While this approach would have been far cheaper, there is no way it would have been as effective.
Having a player in the building makes it easier for a franchise to prove its competence. It is easier for a star to see the head coach's vision for her role on the team when she is living it. Plum will have a chance to strike a partnership with Thomas and Copper, allowing her to test the waters to see if this is a fit that will bring home another championship ring.
None of this would be possible if the Phoenix Mercury hadn't gambled their future to acquire Kelsey Plum's services. Her sensational 20-point performance from the bench is an exciting step in the right direction as the franchise hopes the former Los Angeles Sparks star puts pen to paper on a contract extension come the end of the season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google