Overview
- The Sparks have engaged trade calls this week but are demanding a very high return for Plum, making a deal unlikely unless a suitor meets that price.
- Plum returned to practice and told reporters she will suit up on Sunday with a minutes restriction, even though the WNBA trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET that day.
- Golden State is frequently mentioned as a top fit because coach Natalie Nakase knows Plum, but the Valkyries are reportedly reluctant to surrender multiple key contributors to match the Sparks' demand.
- Los Angeles' front office instability since GM Raegan Pebley was fired earlier this month has complicated negotiations and sharpened the team's posture toward trading an expiring asset.
- Plum is on a one-year, roughly $999,999 contract that makes her a likely free agent after the season, so the Sparks face a choice between securing assets now or risking losing her for nothing, a decision that will shape their short-term playoff hopes and longer-term roster rebuild.