The Los Angeles Sparks executed a blockbuster deal hours before the 2026 WNBA trade deadline, moving Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder.
The deal, clearly, doesn't make LA better in the immediate future. Plum is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 ***** ists per game, while Akoa Makani is a second-year player averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 ***** ists.
But, it is a move that sets the Sparks up to do what is necessary at the moment: tank, tank and tank.
The Sparks are currently five games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. Trading Plum didn't make them a better team, but they are no longer feebly chasing a postseason berth.
Now, it's all about getting the top draft pick. While the WNBA has a lottery, a team can better their odds. It is now in LA's best interest to lose as much as possible and give themselves a chance of winning that No. 1 spot.
#akoa
The deal, clearly, doesn't make LA better in the immediate future. Plum is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 ***** ists per game, while Akoa Makani is a second-year player averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 ***** ists.
But, it is a move that sets the Sparks up to do what is necessary at the moment: tank, tank and tank.
The Sparks are currently five games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. Trading Plum didn't make them a better team, but they are no longer feebly chasing a postseason berth.
Now, it's all about getting the top draft pick. While the WNBA has a lottery, a team can better their odds. It is now in LA's best interest to lose as much as possible and give themselves a chance of winning that No. 1 spot.
#akoa
3 months ago
