{"id":831882,"date":"2026-07-28T17:57:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T17:57:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/831882\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T17:57:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T17:57:09","slug":"kelsey-plum-rumor-casts-doubt-on-sparks-future-as-deadline-looms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/831882\/","title":{"rendered":"Kelsey Plum rumor casts doubt on Sparks future as deadline looms"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the WNBA<\/a> trade deadline rapidly approaching on Aug. 2, it\u2019s going to be worth monitoring the situation between the Los Angeles Sparks<\/a> and star guard Kelsey Plum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because of a rumor from The Athletic\u2019s Annie Costabile<\/a> that says Plum does not intend to re-sign with the Sparks after this season. She will become a free agent after inking a one-year deal last offseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlum signed a one-year deal valued at $999,999 in free agency, but the sense from sources around the league, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not cleared to comment publicly on the matter, is that the 31-year-old guard does not intend to re-sign with the Sparks as a free agent,\u201d Costabile wrote.<\/p>\n

While that points to Plum being an obvious trade candidate, it\u2019s worth noting that the Sparks \u201chaven\u2019t engaged in meaningful trade talks involving Plum,\u201d Costabile added.<\/p>\n

MORE: Monica McNutt calls for Caitlin Clark to have more accountability and self-awareness<\/a><\/p>\n

Plum has not played in over a month due to a lower leg injury, but recently said she could be back as soon as this week<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kelsey Plum signed a one-year deal in free agency, but the sense around the WNBA is that she does not intend to re-sign with the Sparks.<\/p>\n

The only way for Los Angeles to guarantee it does not lose a valuable asset for nothing is to move Plum before next week.<\/p>\n

H\/T @AnnieCostabile<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/k37lGTIFLn<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

When she has been on the court, Plum has continued to be a dynamic scorer, as evidenced by her 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game in 12 contests.<\/p>\n

If she hits the trade block, Plum would almost certainly draw interest from contending teams.<\/p>\n

Will the Sparks trade Kelsey Plum?<\/p>\n

\"\"Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) celebrates after defeating the Phoenix Mercury in overtime at Mortgage Matchup Center | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

We wouldn\u2019t put much stock into the rumor that the Sparks haven\u2019t done a lot when it comes to exploring a Plum trade. Trades can come together very quickly, and there is still a handful of days for the Sparks to fire things up and move her.<\/p>\n

Losers of eight of their last 10, the Sparks are sitting with a 10-16 record and are four games back of the final playoff spot, leaving the team on track to miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season. <\/p>\n

Perhaps Los Angeles believes it can make a run once Plum gets back, but there isn\u2019t much optimism that will be the case after the Sparks were 8-8 before Plum\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n

MORE: Caitlin Clark, Fever named favorites to win WNBA title<\/a><\/p>\n

If the Sparks know Plum doesn\u2019t intend to re-sign, it makes sense to move her now instead of running the risk of letting her leave for nothing in 2027.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles can get a valuable asset or more in return and that will aid in the team building for 2027 and beyond.<\/p>\n

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