Kelsey Plum Draws Trade Interest from Liberty, Mercury, and Dream Ahead of WNBA Deadline

Three WNBA contenders have expressed interest in acquiring Kelsey Plum before Sunday's trade deadline, according to multiple reports. The All-Star guard, currently sidelined by a lower left leg injury, has indicated she will not re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks as a free agent. The deadline closes at 3 p.m. ET, marking a potential watershed moment for a league where in-season trades have historically been rare.

The Trade Market Takes Shape

The New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Atlanta Dream have all engaged in discussions regarding Plum's availability, according to reporting from the New York Post. The 2017 first overall draft pick entered the trade market after publicly declining to commit her future to Los Angeles, a franchise struggling with a 10-17 record and sitting 11th in league standings. The Sparks have lost six consecutive games and parted ways with general manager Raegan Pebley in mid-July.

Plum arrived in Los Angeles via a three-team trade earlier in the year that sent guard Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces and the second overall draft pick to the Seattle Storm. Despite the organizational upheaval, her statistical production has remained elite. Through 12 appearances, she maintains a scoring average of 23.9 points per game—a figure that would rank sixth all-time in single-season scoring history if eligible for official league statistics. She has also recorded 6.4 assists and shot 52.7 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range.

Injury Timeline and Contract Dynamics

Plum has been unavailable since June 21 but took part in full practice for the first time in five weeks Thursday. When asked about trade speculation afterward, she stated: "The thing about professional sports is like it's business. At the end of the day, people have to do what's best for them and I respect that." She confirmed her intent to play for Los Angeles if no trade occurs, noting she is ready to contribute off the bench when the Sparks visit Portland on Sunday.

The contract landscape adds urgency to the situation. Plum signed a one-year deal worth $999,999 with Los Angeles under the new collective bargaining agreement, making her eligible for a supermax extension at $1.4 million. A contending team acquiring her would gain a proven All-Star scorer for the stretch run and potentially the playoffs, all while managing salary cap constraints under the league's restructured salary framework.

Broader Trade Deadline Context

This trade season represents a departure from historical patterns. The WNBA has added three expansion franchises since 2024 while maintaining eight playoff spots, creating a wider separation between contenders and sellers. A notable talent class in the 2027 draft has incentivized some teams to prioritize lottery positioning over mid-season acquisitions. However, the Plum situation could establish a significant precedent for future in-season player movement in the league.