Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum stated Thursday she is not taking anything personal
amid trade speculation ahead of the WNBA’s Sunday deadline. Plum, who has been sidelined since June 21 with a lower left leg injury, intends to suit up against the Portland Fire immediately following the 3 p.m. ET cutoff.
With the WNBA trade deadline looming on Sunday, August 2, at 3 p.m. ET, the five-time All-Star guard finds her name at the center of roster chatter as the Los Angeles Sparks evaluate their path forward.
Rather than dwelling on the uncertainty, Plum made her stance clear following her first official team practice. The thing about professional sports is, it’s business,
Plum told reporters. At the end of the day, people have to do what’s best for them and I respect that. And I’m not taking anything personal. For me, I’m gonna be where my feet are.
Trade Talks, Valuation, and Where the Market Stands
The Sparks sit at 10-17 and mired in a six-game losing streak, a slide that intensified following a 113-109 loss to the New York Liberty. Los Angeles has fielded calls from multiple teams regarding a potential deal for Plum, sources told ESPN. However, negotiations have stalled over the franchise’s steep asking price, alongside concerns from interested front offices that Plum hits free agency this winter and might not commit past the remainder of the season.
Among potential suitors, the Golden State Valkyries emerged as a heavily discussed landing spot around the league. Yet a source familiar with the situation indicated that the Valkyries are reluctant to part with multiple key contributors to satisfy the Sparks’ demands, preferring to maintain their roster continuity and defer major acquisitions until free agency.
Return to the Court and Injury Recovery
Plum has not appeared in a game since June 21, when the Sparks defeated New York 98-97 at Crypto.com Arena. Three days later, the organization announced she was dealing with a lower left leg injury. That setback compounded an earlier absence caused by a right ankle sprain in late May. Across 12 appearances this season, Plum posted career-high averages of 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game, ranking second in the league in scoring before her absence.
Despite the ongoing trade speculation, Plum is scheduled to make her return immediately. She confirmed she will play in the Sparks’ road matchup against the Portland Fire at Moda Center, with tip-off scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT—just 30 minutes after the league’s trade deadline passes.
“I play for the Sparks, so on Sunday, I’m going to suit up and I’m going to give them whatever minute restriction, fill-the-blank-in minutes of hell, coming off the bench. I’m actually really excited about it.”
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks guard
Evaluating the Roster and Upcoming Schedule
The current turbulence follows a major offseason pivot for the franchise. After initially committing to a rebuild by drafting Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson in 2024, Los Angeles accelerated its timeline by trading the No. 2 overall pick to acquire Plum before the 2025 campaign. The front office subsequently added veterans Nneka Ogwumike and Ariel Atkins, trading Jackson to secure Atkins.
Leadership changes have accompanied the team’s struggles on the floor. The organization parted ways with general manager Raegan Pebley on July 12, leaving assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen to share duties on an interim basis. Head coach Lynne Roberts addressed the organizational evaluation ahead of the team’s matchup against New York.
“When we’ve been healthy, we’ve been good. Things have not shaken out how we wanted them to, so we need to evaluate everything. I’ve been in contact with the front office. For where we want to be, I think everything has to be evaluated.”
Lynne Roberts, Los Angeles Sparks head coach
Sitting seventh in the Western Conference and five games back of the Washington Mystics for the final playoff spot, the Sparks face a demanding post-deadline slate. Following Sunday’s contest in Portland, the team travels to face the Chicago Sky on Aug. 5 and the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 6.
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