The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired guard Monique Akoa Makani from the Phoenix Mercury, along with Phoenix’s 2027 first-round draft pick and 2028 second-round draft pick. In exchange, the Sparks traded guard Kelsey Plum to the Mercury. The terms of the trade are pending a physical assessment and final approval by the WNBA.
Akoa Makani is a versatile guard recognized for her defensive prowess, transition play, and perimeter scoring. Over her first two seasons in the WNBA, she has appeared in 60 games, averaging 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. During the 2025 season, she became one of only five rookies in WNBA history to shoot at least 40 percent from the field, 39 percent from three-point range, and 90 percent from the free-throw line across a minimum of 25 games.
Her professional experience includes playing in France, where she won the 2019 Ligue Féminine de Basketball championship with ASVEL Féminin and earned the 2025 French League Guard of the Year award, as well as First Team and All-Defensive Team selections. She also set the Phoenix Mercury franchise rookie record for the second most three-pointers made. Akoa Makani represents the Cameroon National Team internationally.
Sparks assistant general manager Nate Nielsen expressed gratitude for Kelsey Plum’s contributions, praising her professionalism and competitiveness during her tenure with Los Angeles and wishing her success with Phoenix. Assistant general manager Zach Knowlton conveyed enthusiasm for Akoa Makani’s athleticism, versatility, and potential, highlighting her ability to impact both ends of the court and the organization’s commitment to her development.
CSB Take
The Los Angeles Sparks have strategically enhanced their roster with the acquisition of Monique Akoa Makani, a promising guard whose two-way capabilities align with the team’s competitive goals. The addition of valuable future draft picks further increases the franchise’s long-term flexibility. As Akoa Makani integrates into the Sparks’ system, her development will be crucial to the team’s pursuit of sustained success in the WNBA.
Source: Original report
