The LA Sparks sent shockwaves through the WNBA when they switched superstar Kelsey Plum at the trade deadline, just midway through her second season with the ballclub.
It wasn’t a Dončić for Davis shocker, but still an incredible script flip in Hollywood.
Plum was having an MVP calibre season before she went down with an ankle injury. Missing last weekend’s All-star game in Chicago, were the former Tinseltown titan was one of the top vote-getters in the Windy City.
Although she miraculously returned for the Mercury in Chi-town last night, as she put on an all superstar showcase.
You see, Plum now plays for Phoenix. Before the buzzer of the deadline, Los Angeles made a deal that gave them the young Phoenix potential of Monique Akoa Makani. Not to mention, a first and second round draft pick for 2027 and 2028 respectively. The kind of picks they gave to the Las Vegas Aces when they traded for Kelsey in the first place. Just over a year and change ago.
It seemed like a head scratcher for both teams. It appears the Sparks are hitting the reset. Yet the legacy move of bringing back legend Nneka Ogwumike in the off-season feels as nostalgic as bringing those Lisa Leslie era jerseys back for this 30th anniversary season.
And tell that to what was their future in great guard Rickea Jackson. Although the Sparks did get the amazing defensive presence (did you see those cat-like hands in the last game?) of Ariel Atkins in veteran return. Emphasis on “veteran.” It must have been strange for Jackson, currently nursing her own injury, to see Plum pick apart her Sky from the side-lines.
It looked like former Aces Dearica Hamby and Plum were the perfect partnership, but the business of basketball keeps turning like a Wilson on the tip of an index finger.
Let’s point to the future, mind you.
Kelsey follows in the G.O.A.T. sneaker steps of retired legend Diana Taurasi who text Plum to tell her there’s “no one she’d rather have” to take this team by the horns.
The former Phoenix core of Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins is now W history. There had been a new big-three for the Mercury in Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper this season. Although Sabally is now adding to the Liberty super-team in New York.
Now, imagine if that would have stretched to a fantastic four with Kelsey Plum. Because the rest of the roster aren’t invisible women either, with the likes of DeWanna Bonner, Sami Whitcomb and Natasha Mack on deck.
Never mind, the Mercury now have yet another brand-new big-three.
Sure, some are left confused as Plum is about to become a free agent in the forthcoming off-season. This is why the Sparks pulled the plug. Kelsey was ready to explore her options. This is the same thing that happened when the Lakers gave up half of their young roster to get Anthony Davis. But the gamble paid off as AD signed on the dotted line. The same thing could happen here in Phoenix. Or their new star could be gone as quick as Mercury, or old ones.
The game changes just like that, but winning is winning and everything in this very moment. With Kelsey they have a certified champion. Just like Kahleah in Chicago. And even Copper, back in 2021 alongside hometown hero Candace Parker, knows that sometimes this can just be a one-time deal.
But banners…they last forever in the same rafters as retired jerseys.
The Mercury have a few now that could join last season’s ones that are headed for more than the discount rack.
And they showed all the no ceiling potential against the Sky. They weren’t bashful in Chi-city.
Kahleah Copper had 31 points to lead her team 106-101 against her old one. Alyssa Thomas also notched a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. But it was DeWanna Bonner’s clutch block that iced the game for the Mercury. Sealing the deal with two big free-throws that now have Bonner at number two when it comes to all-time free throws made with just over two-thousand.
Whose number one? None other than Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi.
If that wasn’t enough, D.W. had just actually passed D.T. for all-time games played (566), all in the same night. Sitting in the second position again, trailing only another G.O.A.T. in Seattle Storm icon Sue Bird.
Are these the first steps of an actual aforementioned fantastic four?
But what about the main attraction of the night?
Well, in just over twenty minutes of restricted play off the bench, Plum had 20 points and four assists for Phoenix. Hitting six of ten from the field and three threes.
All in numero zero for the new hero.
The caption on X put it perfectly, “no adjustment needed.”
With Plum Phoenix have that playoff push that has them right in championship contention and consideration.
Forget about the off-season, the Mercury’s time to rise is now.
