RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesThe race to the 2026 WNBA postseason has begun, and teams are looking to add for their playoff push.
Now that the All-Star Game is over, it's all about the trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Aug. 2.
Teams must now decide if they’re going to be buyers or sellers for the next season. Even though blockbuster trades aren't common during the WNBA trade deadline, there are still opportunities for teams to make a splash. In the past, bold moves have been rewarded, including the Las Vegas Aces adding NaLyssa Smith and winning the 2025 WNBA championship.
Will a league-altering trade be made this season?
Here are five players who could be moved on or before Aug. 2.
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks
Plum was having a great season with the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 23.9 points per game in 12 games, before she went down with a lower left leg injury.
However, the 31-year-old's future in Los Angeles seems murky, as multiple reports indicate Plum doesn't intend to re-sign with the team in the offseason.
If Plum doesn't want to return, the Sparks could collect some valuable assets for her instead of letting her walk away in free agency.
Plum could fit in nicely with the Golden State Valkyries , who have one of the toughest defenses in the league. Plum also played under head coach Natalie Nakase while she was on staff for the Aces.
Alanna Smith, Dallas Wings
The reigning co-defensive player of the year was a big target in free agency and ultimately left the Minnesota Lynx for the Dallas Wings, where she signed a three-year max deal valued at roughly $3.75 million.
But Smith's time in Dallas hasn't gone as expected. She's been relegated to the bench with 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game. Smith has dealt with several injuries this season, which impacted her play as her scoring has dropped to its lowest since 2021.
The 29-year-old has been linked to the Phoenix Mercury, the team that drafted her eighth overall in 2019. The Mercury need more depth in the post and have $857,740 in cap space remaining this season, which means they’d have to send salary back to Dallas or otherwise clear room to land Smith.
Skylar Diggins, Chicago Sky
Diggins' one-season stint with the Chicago Sky hasn't gone well. The veteran point guard expressed her frustration with the coaching staff wanting her to play off the bench following 19 starts.
Diggins hasn't played since July 3 due to a knee injury, but was averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. The 35-year-old was an All-Star last season and could be a valuable player for another team.
Allowing Diggins to find the role she wants while the Sky rebuilds with its young core would be beneficial for both sides. And if Plum does leave the Sparks, Diggins could fit in nicely with former teammate Nneka Ogwumike.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, New York Liberty
The first season under head coach Chris DeMarco hasn't been beneficial for Laney-Hamilton, as her role has been significantly reduced.
The veteran guard played a big role in securing the 2024 WNBA championship for New York with 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. But a meniscus injury sidelined her all of 2025. This season, she didn't play in three consecutive games while available as the team headed to the All-Star break. She's averaged 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 2026.
Laney-Hamilton could provide a veteran presence for a young but talented team like the Washington Mystics. Or she could be swapped with another player on this list.
Aneesah Morrow, Connecticut Sun
The Sun aren't in any position for a playoff push and have some young talent that could bolster any team.
Morrow is only in her second season, but she's excellent on the glass and is tough defensively. She dealt with an injury this season, but in 19 games, she averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while playing a career-high 22.8 minutes per game.
The 23-year-old could end up in New York for Laney-Hamilton, which would benefit both sides. Or she could join another defensive stalwart in Golden State.
Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at [email protected] , as well as @jennarortiz on X.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: WNBA trade deadline candidates. 5 players who could be dealt
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