Kelsey Plum has made it clear that when it comes to playing in the WNBA, she's firmly focused on the team she's playing for. When that was the Los Angeles Sparks this season and last season, she was focused on the team. Now that she's playing for the Phoenix Mercury, that's the team she's keeping her mind on.
The conclusion of Plum's trade from Los Angeles to Phoenix is a bit of a win for both parties. The Mercury get an excellent All-Star caliber guard who is capable of helping push the team out of the slump they've experienced for most of the 2026 season. Los Angeles gained great draft picks and Monique Akoa Makani. The Sparks were already navigating a difficult 2026 season, and the loss of Plum will do little to improve that.
The trade was also notable as it marked only the fourth time in the league's history that an All-Star has been traded midseason. Plum suffered a leg injury in June and was expected to return for the Sparks on the August 2nd trade deadline.
Also of note: ESPN reported Plum "still intends on going through the full free agency process in the offseason."
That last detail indicates Plum is open to the idea that the Mercury may only be a temporary home, and the true winner of the trade could end up being another team entirely. That makes things pretty interesting for several teams, and the Golden State Valkyries are high on that list. Suggestions Plum could end up in the Bay Area (which happens to be where she's from) have been floated pretty much since the team was announced. She will be free to depart the Mercury ahead of the 2027 season if she wishes—and having Plum on the Valkyries would be a really, really big deal.
The Valkyries offered WNBA a truly historic season last year, something that was especially sweet because expectations were low and largely based on how past expansion teams have performed in the past. Golden State has continued to offer exceptional basketball this year, and could end up making a significant playoffs push this season. The team is currently ranked third in the league and are only behind the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces.
No matter what the Valkyries end up doing this season, there's no denying that adding a player like Plum would only enhance the team.
Add us as a preferred source on Google