PHOENIX — Just one day before the WNBA trade deadline, it appears the Phoenix Mercury have entered the race for one of the most sought-after names of the season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Phoenix Mercury are one of the teams “that have thrown their hat in the Kelsey Plum sweepstakes,” per @madkenney.
The report comes around 24 hours ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/fzvMxVW8vo
— PHNX Mercury (@PHNX_Mercury) August 1, 2026
According to the New York Post’s Madeline Kenney, the Mercury are among the teams looking to add Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum. Other teams involved include the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream.
Phoenix has already assembled one of the league’s most talented veteran cores, and adding a proven scorer and playmaker such as Plum would further strengthen a team looking to continue to add wins after what was a difficult first half. Her ability to create offense, stretch defenses with her perimeter shooting and run an attack would give the Mercury another elite option alongside their established core.
Jun 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives past Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Before suffering a lower left leg injury in late June, Plum was putting together arguably the best season of her career, averaging 23.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc.
The injury forced Plum to miss the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago, where Phoenix guard Kahleah Copper was selected as her replacement.
Jun 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) passes around Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Recent reports indicate Plum is progressing in her recovery and nearing a return to game action, but it’s unclear whether that return will come in Los Angeles. The Sparks must decide whether to move her before the trade deadline rather than risk losing her in free agency after the season.
The timing is especially important for Phoenix, which is trying to climb back into the playoff conversation. The Mercury are just a few games behind the final playoff spot and will likely need to play near-perfect basketball down the stretch to close the gap. Adding Plum could provide the spark and boost they need to make a late postseason push.
May 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives on Phoenix Mercury forward Noemie Brochant (1) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Phoenix’s reported interest signals the Mercury are looking to maximize their roster before the trade deadline. If the Mercury can land Plum, it would be one of the biggest moves of the deadline and could significantly strengthen their postseason hopes.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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