New York Liberty explore trade for Sparks guard Kelsey Plum before deadline
The Liberty are among several teams interested in acquiring Kelsey Plum ahead of the WNBA trade deadline, but negotiations have stalled as the Sparks value the player highly and she is set to become a free agent after the season.
New York Liberty have indicated interest in Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum as the league approaches the Sunday trade deadline, joining the Mercury and Dream in the pursuit, according to multiple sources. The Sparks, however, have not progressed with talks, viewing Plum’s trade value as higher than what suitors are willing to offer, given her pending free-agency status.
Plum, who averages 23.9 points per game, 2.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 12 games this season, has been out since June 21 with a lower-leg injury. She told reporters on Thursday that she does not take trade discussions personally, noting that professional sports are a business and she will go where she is needed.
Los Angeles, sitting 10-17 and five games behind the eighth-place Liberty, could look to move Plum before she departs in free agency. The Sparks plan for Plum to play in their next game, scheduled shortly after the 3 p.m. deadline, though a mid-season trade could alter that.
The Liberty, currently 17-13 after a 94-92 win over the Mercury, hold the final playoff spot and are weighing whether a trade could improve their championship odds. Adding Plum would boost the team’s offense but would not solve defensive concerns, and would likely require multiple assets given the Liberty’s limited cap space of under $130,000 and Plum’s $999,999 salary.
The team also considered a trade for forward Aneesah Morrow, but ultimately sent her to the Connecticut Sun for a 2028 second-round pick and rights to Maria “Masha” Kliundikov. With injuries to key players such as Leonie Fiebich and Satou Sabally, the Liberty may also choose to remain patient and hope for a healthier roster heading into the playoffs.