Kelsey Plum’s time in Los Angeles officially came to an end on August 2 with a trade to the Phoenix Mercury. Just a day after the blockbuster trade that sent the five-time All-Star to Phoenix was made official, Plum posted a series of pictures from her time with LA on Instagram, and WNBA stars immediately took notice.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
“Los Angeles! Thank you for embracing me these last two years. You made this city feel like home. To the Sparks organization, my teammates, coaches, and the fans, thank you for everything. I’ll always be grateful for my time here. Phoenix, I can’t wait to get to The Valley. Let’s get it! 💜🧡,” she wrote.
Among the thousands of likes that the post quickly garnered was that of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, in a subtle show of support for the newest member of the Phoenix Mercury.
Despite signing a $999,999, one-year contract with the Sparks ahead of the 226 season, Plum has been absent for most of the season so far. Plum played 12 games, and just when she was averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, she got sidelined after sustaining a lower-leg injury.
Sparks star Cameron Brink, who has spent two seasons as Plum’s teammate in LA, added three heart emojis. Another Sparks player, Kate Martin, who played her rookie season on the Las Vegas Aces, wrote, “Keep being you!”
Even the Sparks’ official social media handle replied with a series of purple and gold hearts as the franchise bids farewell to the team’s biggest star over the last two years.
All the reactions followed the blockbuster trade that ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported about a day before Plum’s Instagram post. Phoenix traded for her, sending back guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round pick. After the trade, Phoenix GM Nick U’Ren highlighted the reason why the team traded for her.
“Kelsey is one of the league’s most dynamic players. She is a fierce competitor with a winning mentality who impacts the game on both ends of the floor,” said U’Ren.
Her combination of shooting, explosiveness and decision-making allows her to create offense at a high level and makes her one of the league’s most complete guards. We have wanted Kelsey here for a long time, and we’re excited to finally bring her to Phoenix as we continue to build on our foundation.”
According to ESPN, however, Plum still intends to look at all options in her upcoming free agency at the end of the season, leaving her future with the Mercury in jeopardy. Plum’s reported unwillingness to re-sign with LA prompted the Sparks to trade her.
Now, Kelsey Plum will do her best to spearhead a playoff push for Phoenix.