The Phoenix Mercury has had a losing record after acquiring Kelsey Plum in a big-time trade earlier this month.
Phoenix made a bold move in the middle of the season by pulling the trigger and trading for Plum on Aug. 2. The goal was to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
However, since the big trade with the Los Angeles Sparks that cost them Monique Akoa Makani and two future draft picks, the Mercury have recorded a 2-8 record in their last 10 games, including Thursday’s 80-73 loss to the Washington Mystics. Phoenix has gone 1-4 when Plum plays.
They were also eliminated from playoff contention, as they now have the league’s fourth-worst record at 13-26.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The five-time WNBA All-Star, though, is not solely responsible for the Mercury’s unwanted development. She has averaged 15.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 49.1% shooting from the field for Phoenix.
Plum is playing under her current one-year, $999,999 contract. She will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old guard was also named to the final roster of Team USA for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
She will be joining other WNBA stars such as Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Naphessa Collier, Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson for the upcoming tournament in September.
The U.S. is part of Group D alongside China, Italy and the Czech Republic, whom they’ll battle for an outright spot in the quarter-finals.
Plum has missed four out of Phoenix’s last five games due to calf and leg injuries.
