Los Angeles Sparks consider trading Kelsey Plum before deadline
Five‑time All‑Star guard Kelsey Plum, 31, is reportedly not planning to re‑sign with the Los Angeles Sparks after her one‑year, $999,999 contract expires at the end of the season. The Sparks, sitting 10‑16 and outside the playoff picture, fired GM Raegan Pebley and have interim GMs in place, leaving the franchise with little time to secure a return before the WNBA trade deadline on Aug. 2.
League sources say the team is "asking for the world" in any deal, with interest from the Washington Mystics, Golden State Valkyries, Phoenix Mercury and other clubs that can fit her contract under the league’s hard cap. Plum’s recent injury‑shortened season saw her average 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, bolstering her trade value. The speculation has heightened as Plum confirmed she will be ready to play on deadline day, but has not commented on a possible move.
The broader deadline environment is quiet due to the WNBA’s strict salary cap, making large trades rare. Still, several teams are weighing options, and the outcome will shape the Sparks’ future and the competitive balance of the league.
Entities: Golden State Valkyries · Kelsey Plum · Los Angeles Sparks · Minnesota Lynx · Napheesa Collier · Raegan Pebley · WNBA · Washington Mystics
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Potential trade destinations for Kelsey Plum include the Washington Mystics, Golden State Valkyries and Phoenix Mercury. (article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Sparks fired general manager Raegan Pebley earlier this month. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Napheesa Collier signed a one‑year super‑max contract worth $1.4 million for the 2026 season with the Minnesota Lynx. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Minnesota Lynx are positioned as championship contenders despite Collier's recent injury recovery. (existing)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The WNBA operates under a hard salary cap that limits trade flexibility. (existing)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Kelsey Plum is reportedly not planning to re‑sign with the Los Angeles Sparks after her contract expires. (existing)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Los Angeles Sparks have a 10‑16 record and are outside playoff contention. (existing)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kelsey Plum signed a one‑year contract worth $999,999 with the Los Angeles Sparks for the 2025‑26 season. (existing)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Sparks have not engaged in any trade talks involving Kelsey Plum as of the trade deadline. (new)