RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Earlier this week, a report emerged suggesting that the Los Angeles Sparks could look to trade All-Star Kelsey Plum before the trade window closes on Sunday.
While Plum has an expiring contract with the team, The Athletic's Annie Costabile reported that the team hasn't "engaged in meaningful trade talks" about her yet.
However, the belief is that Plum won't re-sign with the Sparks, who are currently 10-16 and not within the WNBA playoff picture. On Thursday, a new report arrived about Plum's injury status, and along with that, the All-Star also responded to the potential of being traded to a new team.
"At the end of the day, people have to do what’s best for them. I respect that. And I’m not taking anything personal. For me, I’m gonna be where my feet are. I play for the Sparks, so on Sunday, I’m going to suit up, and I’m going to give them whatever minute restriction, coming off the bench. I’m actually really excited about it," she said, per ClutchPoints .
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Plum returned to Sparks' practice on Thursday after being out a month due to a lower left leg injury. According to Swish Appeal's Edwin Garcia , Plum will return to play in Sunday's game against the Portland Fire.
The Sparks are the second team Plum has played for in her career. The San Antonio Stars, who became the team that is now the Las Vegas Aces, drafted Plum as the No. 1 pick in 2017. She went on to win two WNBA championships with the Aces, which also featured multi-time MVP A'ja Wilson.
Since joining the WNBA, Plus has also become a five-time All-Star, being selected for the game each year since 2022. However, she did not play in this year's game as she sat out due to injury.
With Plum's return to play arriving Sunday, which is the same day as the WNBA's trade deadline, it makes for an intriguing situation. Will the Sparks decide to keep her despite the speculation that she doesn't intend to re-sign with the team? It would seem to make sense to get a return for Plum rather than allowing her to leave as a free agent with nothing in return for the multi-time All-Star.
Bleacher Report's Hunter Cruse speculated on the three WNBA teams that could make the most sense as trade suitors: the Golden State Valkyries, Washington Mystics, and Dallas Wings.
As of this writing, all three of those teams would qualify for the WNBA Playoffs, so they could certainly use a player of Plum's caliber and experience to upgrade their rosters. However, it remains to be seen what sort of package of players and draft picks the Sparks will get in exchange for Plum, should a deal occur.
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For more about the WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports .
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