The expected Kelsey Plum trade finally went down early Sunday morning (or late Saturday for those in Los Angeles), with the Sparks sending the five-time all-star to a Western Conference foe just a half-game behind them in the standings.Plum was traded to the Phoenix Mercury, ESPN reported, giving the veteran team a much-needed offensive boost as it attempts to make a playoff push in the second-half of the season.But was the trade worth it for the Mercury? And did the Sparks get enough for their leading scorer of the past two seasons? Let's break down the deal and give out some grades.Sparks and Mercury trade detailsMercury get: Kelsey PlumSparks get: Monique Akoa Makani, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pickMercury trade gradePhoenix desperately needed to upgrade its roster beyond Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner, as the Mercury ranked 11th in scoring, 3-point shooting and assists per game this season, contributing to their 12th place record in the standings.The largest hole was at point guard, where Plum represents a massive upgrade over Akoa Makani, who was solid as a second-year guard but with limited upside. At almost 24 points per game and six assists, Plum averages about 14 points more than Akoa Makani on much better efficiency from the field (52% FG) and four assists more. Her threat as a bonafide all-star scorer and playmaker should open things up for the rest of Phoenix's roster and give them a puncher's chance at closing a six-game gap in the standings for a playoff seed.The only question here is if that small chance of making the playoffs was worth giving up a first-round pick? It won't be if Plum decides not to re-sign with Phoenix in the offseason.GRADE: C+Sparks trade gradeThe Sparks gave it a try with Plum, and all it got them was a 21-23 record last season and 10-17 this year (2-9 in last 11 games with Plum injured), with no playoff appearances. So before she could leave for nothing, they got a first-round pick still likely to land near the top of the draft and a solid rotational guard. You would hope that a perennial all-star could net a little more, but with Plum's contract expiring at the end of the year, teams apparently weren't willing to part with too much.Grade: B+This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kelsey Plum trade grades: Who won the Sparks-Mercury deal?