The WNBA trade deadline closed with minimal movement Sunday, just two deals completed despite earlier expectations for more activity under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Toronto Tempo executed the first trade, acquiring Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow. The Tempo sent the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to the Sun. The trade earned an A grade for the Tempo; the Sun received a D.
The second deal sent Los Angeles Sparks leading scorer Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. In return, the Sparks received Monique Akoa Makani, Phoenix's 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. The Sparks' return was graded an A; the Mercury's move a D.
Plum, 31, is a five-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion who has missed the last six weeks with a left leg injury. She is expected to return soon. She averages 23.9 points per game this season—the highest average for any player changing teams midseason with a minimum of 10 games played in WNBA history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The Mercury's acquisition carries real risk. Phoenix surrendered Makani and two draft picks for a player who will be a free agent this offseason, with no guarantee she stays beyond the current season.
Phoenix sits 5.5 games out of a playoff spot with 14 regular-season games remaining and needs to win 11 of those 14 to reach a 50 percent winning percentage. The Mercury made a finals run in 2025 but were 12th in the standings and five games behind the Mystics for the eighth playoff spot coming out of the All-Star break.
Plum's free-agency decision could be shaped by the chance to play alongside Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Cop. Phoenix's proximity to her Los Angeles home may also factor in. Plum signed a one-year deal for $999,999 with the Sparks to give the team payroll flexibility.
Minnesota, meanwhile, stood pat—and that was the right call. The Lynx lead the league at 25-6 and have won 10 straight. They hold a 3.5-game lead over second-place Las Vegas.
The team's run is coming together even as Napheesa Collier only recently made her season debut after ankle surgery. Her one-year supermax deal generated offseason chatter about her long-term future, but she appears content in Minnesota.
Point guard Olivia Miles has been a primary driver of the Lynx's performance, delivering a historic rookie season after being selected No. 2 overall. In Sunday's 108-100 win against the Fever, Miles and Courtney Williams combined for 55 points. Collier added 18 points and eight rebounds.
