The WNBA trade rumor mill is heating up, and at its center is one of the league's most electrifying scorers. According to multiple league sources, the Los Angeles Sparks are expected to part ways with star guard Kelsey Plum before Sunday's trade deadline.
Marisa Ingemi of the Los Angeles Times broke the news, citing conversations with league insiders who say a deal is all but inevitable. “Couple of league sources I spoke with this morning said it's 'most likely' that the Sparks will trade Kelsey Plum by the Sunday trade deadline,” Ingemi reported. “They've gotten multiple calls from other WNBA teams and the plan is to move her.”
Plum, a five-time All-Star, joined the Sparks ahead of the 2025 season via trade and inked a one-year, $999,999 deal last offseason. While she's currently sidelined with a leg injury, that hasn't cooled interest from contenders looking to add a proven scorer. Through this season, Plum is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game, numbers that would boost any playoff-bound roster.
Potential Landing Spots
CBS Sports has already floated the Golden State Valkyries as a possible destination. The expansion franchise is desperate for offensive firepower—no player averages 15 points per game, and the team ranks eighth in offensive rating (107.7) and 13th in true shooting percentage (53.9%). “They desperately need offense, Plum is one of the best scorers in the league and there's a good chance they could convince her to re-sign in free agency,” wrote CBS Sports' Jack Maloney.
The Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics have also emerged as potential suitors. Both teams could use a dynamic guard who can create her own shot and facilitate for others.
The impending trade comes amid broader league changes, including the recent report that the WNBA is planning to move on from commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Plum's situation also echoes the controversy around NBA commissioner involvement in WNBA discipline, highlighting ongoing tensions in the league's governance.
What's at Stake
For the Sparks, trading Plum signals a potential rebuild or retooling around younger assets. For Plum, a move to a contender could set the stage for a deep playoff run—and a chance to prove she's worth a max contract in free agency next year.
Whoever lands Plum will be getting a player who can single-handedly change the trajectory of a franchise. The next few days will determine where that talent ends up.
Where do you think Plum will land? The clock is ticking.
