Los Angeles Sparks Acquire Monique Akoa Makani, 2027 First-Round Pick and 2028 Second-Round Pick from Phoenix Mercury
Published on August 2, 2026 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - Today, the Los Angeles Sparks announced the team has acquired guard Monique Akoa Makani, the Phoenix Mercury's 2027 first-round draft pick and Phoenix's 2028 second-round draft pick in exchange for guard Kelsey Plum. The trade will be completed pending a physical assessment and final approval by the WNBA.
"On behalf of our entire organization, I want to thank Kelsey for everything she gave to the Sparks. She embraced Los Angeles from the moment she arrived and represented our franchise with passion, competitiveness and professionalism every day," said Sparks Assistant General Manager Nate Nielsen. "We are grateful for her contributions both on and off the court, and we wish her nothing but success as she begins this next chapter of her career."
"We're excited to welcome Monique to the Sparks," said Sparks Assistant General Manager Zach Knowlton. "She is a talented young player with tremendous upside who competes on both ends of the floor. Her athleticism, versatility and work ethic make her a great fit for our organization, and we're looking forward to helping her continue to develop in Los Angeles."
Akoa Makani is an athletic, versatile guard with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Still early in her WNBA career, she has shown the ability to defend multiple positions, create in transition and continue to develop as a dynamic, perimeter player. Along with Akoa Makani, the Sparks add valuable draft capital that strengthens the organization's long-term flexibility.
Prior to entering the WNBA, Akoa Makani's professional career began in France with the ASVEL Féminin where she helped win the 2019 Ligue Féminine de Basketball title. Her professional French accolades include 2023 French LF2 Champion, as well as 2025 French League Guard of the Year, First Team and All-Defensive Team selection. In addition to the WNBA and signing with Tango Bourges Basket for the 2025-26 season, she is also a member of the Cameroon National Team.
Originally signed a training camp contract with Phoenix on March 11, 2025, Akoa Makani has appeared in 60 games over her first two WNBA seasons, averaging 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists while continuing to develop into one of the league's promising young guards. During the 2025 season, she was one of five rookies in WNBA history to shoot at least 40% FG, 39% 3PT and 90% FT in a minimum of 25 games played. While with the Mercury, she made franchise history tallying the second most three-pointers made by a rookie.
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