RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesWNBA Analyst Identifies Perfect Kelsey Plum Trade Destination Ahead of Deadline © Imagn Images
Kelsey Plum has reportedly been made available for trade ahead of the Aug. 2 deadline, and one WNBA analyst believes she has an ideal landing spot. Plum’s time with the Los Angeles Sparks could be coming to an end sooner than expected, as the team appears willing to move on from the star guard.
According to The Athletic’s Annie Costabile, Plum does not intend to re-sign with the Sparks when she becomes a free agent. After turning down a supermax contract extension to give the team salary-cap flexibility, Plum is now entering the final year of her deal. With the veteran guard enjoying one of the best seasons of her career, now may be the perfect time for the Sparks to sell high and maximize her trade value.
When discussing Plum’s potential landing spot, WNBA analyst Andraya Carter said the Golden State Valkyries make the most sense and should strongly consider trading for the two-time WNBA champion.
“The team that should be knocking on the Sparks door the loudest to try and get Kelsey Plum is the Golden State Valkyries. For the Valkyries, Kelsey Plum could be the offensive boost. She’s familiar with head coach Natalie Nakase, she’s familiar with that area, she’s a PAC-12 girly. To me, that would make the most sense.”
Plum is exactly the kind of player every playoff contender would love to add. For the Valkyries, who are enjoying a stellar second season, landing Plum would further strengthen their playoff hopes and championship aspirations.
Although she has missed a few games this season because of injuries, Plum has continued to make her presence felt whenever she has been on the floor. She is on pace for a career year, averaging 23.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range through 12 games.
WNBA Analyst Says Sparks Can’t Afford to Lose Kelsey Plum for Nothing
WNBA analyst Andraya Carter also urged the LA Sparks to get something in return for Kelsey Plum rather than risk losing her in free agency.
Carter pointed to the franchise’s previous losses of Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray and Candace Parker, all of whom departed in free agency without the Sparks receiving any high-end assets.
“If you’re hearing rumors that Kelsey Plum does not want to be there, just think about it. The Sparks lost Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray and Candace Parker to free agency, right? That means they didn’t get anything back for those superstars,” Carter said. “Now you’re hearing rumors that Kelsey Plum might not want to be there. Instead of letting her become a free agent, stay in control and try to get something back. Kelsey Plum is having a phenomenal season and is on pace for a career year. You’ve got to move her.”
If the Sparks’ plan is to acquire assets and continue their rebuild, now may be the right time to move on from Plum. What they could receive in return, however, remains to be seen with the trade deadline just days away.
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