One key stat explains Valkyries' choice not to make Kelsey Plum trade

The Phoenix Mercury stunned the WNBA by pulling off a blockbuster trade for All-Star guard Kelsey Plum on Saturday -- for what might amount to a 14-game stint in the desert, seeing as Plum is set to hit unrestricted free agency after the season.The Mercury won the Plum sweepstakes by offering to the Los Angeles Sparks an enticing package of Monique Akoa Makani plus two draft picks -- including a first-round selection that could fall in the lottery of a stacked 2027 draft. The Washington Mystics, the Atlanta Dream, the New York Liberty and the Golden State Valkyries all were linked with Plum, but in the end, Phoenix's offer blew away the others.MORE: Why Mercury's Kelsey Plum blockbuster is just crazy enough to workThe Valkyries in particular had been regarded as a strong suitor for Plum. S