Roughly 24 hours before the WNBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Sparks are still deep in negotiations over a potential Kelsey Plum trade, but honestly, it is not looking clear if a deal will even get made. This whole situation is wild, and the clock is ticking for the Sparks to figure it out.
The “Rental” Fear That’s Driving Teams Crazy
ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou and Ramona Shelburne reported Saturday afternoon that the Sparks are still talking to a bunch of teams about their All-Star guard Kelsey Plum. But here’s the rub, and it is a massive one: Philippou and Malika Andrews reported Friday that the Sparks have this super high asking price. Teams are straight up worried Plum is just a rental, right? She hits free agency this offseason, and there is a big concern she will not commit beyond this season. Annie Costabile from The Athletic backed that up Saturday, saying the main hang up is the huge gap between what the Sparks think Plum is worth and what teams will actually give up for someone they see as a rental. It sounds like the Sparks are overvaluing her if they cannot find a taker at this price.
The Sparks Are Running Out of Time and Leverage
And honestly, it is a mess for LA. Philippou and Andrews also reported there is a real chance Plum just stays put through the deadline and for the rest of the season. If that happens, the Sparks could just lose her for nothing in free agency next winter. This whole thing feels like a bad leverage play, but the Sparks do not have much of it right now. Every team knows it is not in LA’s best interest to have Plum on the roster after the noon Pacific trade deadline on Sunday. The alternative, letting her walk for free, is pretty bad for them long term.
The trade deadline is tomorrow at 3 PM ET, and the Sparks have to come to an agreement on a deal. If they cannot, they risk losing an All-Star guard for absolutely nothing. What a wild 24 hours this is going to be for the team.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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