The Los Angeles Sparks are 10-17, and as such, star guard Kelsey Plum could possibly be on the transfer. LA Instances reporter Marisa Ingemi reported on Wednesday that the Sparks will most definitely commerce Plum by Sunday’s WNBA midseason commerce deadline — and that they’ve gotten curiosity from multiples groups throughout the league.
It’s a notable growth, because the 31-year-old has established herself as the most effective guards within the league. Plum is in the course of a profession yr wherein she’s averaging 23.9 factors and 6.4 assists, whereas capturing 52.7% from the sector and 38.3% from three. On the similar time, she’s had an injury-riddled marketing campaign; she’s appeared in simply 12 of 27 video games resulting from a number of decrease leg accidents.
Whereas there hasn’t been a lot concrete reporting about the place Plum may land, there are a number of locations that would make a variety of sense. The Sparks have till Sunday at 2pm ET to make their determination.
Right here’s the place she may land.
The very best match: Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries have misplaced back-to-back video games (albeit one with out Gabby Williams) however have in any other case been one of many season’s finest storylines. They’re 19-9 and poised for a playoff run, however, regardless of their league-best protection may they be lacking some star energy? Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and Janelle Salaun have all had big-time season, however none can create for themselves at such excessive quantity the way in which Plum can.
Golden State could possibly be making a transfer with the intention of successful a title now, and primarily based on how they’ve carried out this season, that’s actually throughout the realm of chance. However, if they’ll obtain some assurance from Plum that she’d re-sign within the offseason — she’s at the moment on an expiring $999,999 contract — that’d make a commerce all of the extra sensical.
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase may be very conversant in Plum, having coached her in Las Vegas, which may make the midseason transition even simpler. Plum could be an incredible match alongside Burton, Williams, and the remainder of the Golden State solid.
Second-best possibility: Dallas Wings
The Wings may be going all-in forward of the commerce deadline. That’s what basic supervisor Curt Miller indicated final week at All-Star weekend.
“You may’t be afraid to tear the Band-Help off and make strikes to attempt to go for it,” he stated. “You’re not all the time in a championship window.”
Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard have each had big-time seasons this yr, and Azzi Fudd is having an impressive rookie marketing campaign. However, may Dallas be involved in flipping Arike Ogunbowale, who’s capturing simply 37.8% from the sector, for a simpler offensive participant? Or, is there a approach to offload Alanna Smith, who has struggled in a surprisingly restricted position to date this season?
Plum will give them an undoubtable enhance on the offensive finish, and create a deadly backcourt trio alongside Bueckers and Fudd. However, some frontcourt defensive questions stay, even when Dallas pulls the set off on this transaction.
Darkish horse workforce: Washington Mystics
The Mystics are within the playoff hunt and have a really vivid future, largely resulting from a core led by Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, and Shakira Austin. However, they’re most likely not championship contenders, a minimum of not proper now. So, they’ll must suppose twice earlier than mortgaging their future for a participant who could select to not re-sign within the offseason.
Nonetheless, Washington has one of many league’s prime defenses, that means they could possibly be a very good touchdown spot for Plum, who at instances has been a defensive liabiliy (Sydney Johnson’s system shoudl enable her to thrive). The Mystics have loads of younger gamers and draft belongings they might transfer in a commerce. The one query is whether or not it’s value it to go all-in now, after they’re most likely nonetheless a yr or two away from being championship contenders.
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