WNBA trade deadline looms as several veterans and young stars become targets
With the August 2 trade deadline approaching, analysts highlight five players—Kelsey Plum, Aneesah Morrow, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Maddy Siegrist and Skylar Diggins—as potential trade assets as teams assess roster needs and contract situations.
The WNBA trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday is prompting teams to evaluate roster moves ahead of the postseason. Analysts note that a large number of players are on one-year contracts following the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, which could influence trade activity, while the depth of upcoming drafts adds another strategic layer.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, a former two-time champion with the Las Vegas Aces, has posted 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season but has been sidelined since June 21 with a lower-leg injury. At 32, she is on a one-year, $999,999 contract and could be a target for teams seeking scoring depth, such as the Golden State Valkyries or Washington Mystics, provided her health and future contract preferences are clarified.
Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow, the 2025 No. 7 draft pick, has improved to 11.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this year. The 23-year-old, still on her rookie deal, may attract interest from the Toronto Tempo, who need post rebounding, or the Phoenix Mercury, who are looking to bolster their frontcourt. Her recent nine-game absence raises questions about durability.
Veteran guard/forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton of the New York Liberty has seen her minutes drop to 16.8 per game after a knee injury limited her to 17 appearances this season. On a $400,000 protected veteran contract, she will become an unrestricted free agent after the season, and teams such as Dallas, Toronto or Connecticut could consider her defensive versatility.
Dallas Wings forward Maddy Siegrist, a former Villanova star, is averaging 6.3 points in limited minutes this year. In the final year of her rookie contract, she could draw interest from clubs like Toronto or Phoenix seeking a more consistent role for a 26-year-old scorer.
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins, on a $940,000 protected veteran deal, has expressed dissatisfaction with her role as the Sky sit at 9-18 and appear headed for another missed playoff. She has been out with a knee issue since early July, averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds this season.
Teams must weigh player health, contract status and future draft considerations as they decide whether to make moves before the deadline.