New Delhi, Aug. 2 -- The Los Angeles Sparks have traded five-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury in a major move completed just hours before the league's trade deadline. This marks only the fourth time in WNBA history that an All-Star has been moved during the middle of a season.

Phoenix Mercury acquire Kelsey Plum in exchange for guard Monique Akoa Makani, the Mercury's 2027 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-round selection. Plum stood as the top trade target across the league heading into the 3 PM ET deadline on Sunday, August 2.

The 25-year-old Akoa Makani, a second-year player from Cameroon, has started 16 games for Phoenix this season. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.5 as...