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The Los Angeles Sparks are waving the white flag on their window, shipping five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, a twenty twenty seven first-round pick, and a twenty twenty eight second-rounder. After one promising season followed by a sharp step back, Los Angeles is officially tearing it down and betting on the future.
Shifting to the biggest trade in baseball this weekend, the Detroit Tigers are sending two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for three prospects. With Skubal set to hit free agency this winter, Detroit decided to cash in now rather than watch him walk. The Dodgers, already loaded, just got more dangerous — and the rest of the American League is breathing a quiet sigh of relief.
Meanwhile in Europe, Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid era is officially underway. The club drew two-two with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly in Austria, with new arrivals Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espi both making their debuts. Academy product Alexis Ciria stole the show with a goal, and early signs suggest Mourinho has plenty to work with heading into the season.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
