3 best Kelsey Plum trade destinations if Sparks make blockbuster deadline move

Los Angeles Sparks superstar Kelsey Plum has emerged as one of the biggest names rumored to be traded before the August 2 deadline. The five-time All-Star and two-time champion with the Las Vegas Aces is currently playing on a one-year, $999,999 deal and reportedly does not wish to re-sign after the current season.

That has resulted in the Sparks exploring trade destinations as they will be at risk of losing her without any compensation when the contract expires. Any team trading for Plum may also be wary that they will be at risk of losing her if she does not re-sign at the end of her contract.

The Sparks acquired Plum in a three-team deal that saw them lose their No. 2 draft pick, which the Seattle Storm eventually used to acquire Dominique Malonga. However, Los Angeles are currently perched 12th in the Western Conference despite featuring multiple All-Star caliber stars such as Ariel Atkins, Nneka Ogwumike, Dearica Hamby, Erica Wheeler and former No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink.

However, Plum has thus far played just 12 games due to multiple injuries and last played a game in late June. The Sparks are currently 10-17, five games behind the No. 8 spot, although Plum has still been elite when available.

She is currently averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists while shooting at 52.7% from the field and almost 39% from the three-point zone. There is little doubt that multiple teams will be interested despite the injuries, although the following teams are understood to be the frontrunners for the time being.

Golden State Valkyries

Plum has the option of vetoing any trade that the Sparks may agree, which makes it more likely that she will go to a contender. And despite it being only their second season in franchise history, they do have the talent and the fit that may attract Plum.

Golden State are currently 19-9, third in the Western Conference, and have one of the best defensive ratings in the WNBA (100.9). However, they also have only the eighth-best offensive rating in the league, and the offensive powerhouse that is Kelsey Plum will fit in nicely with the kind of elite defenders the Valkyries have.

Further, Plum previously worked with Natalie Nakase at the Aces, and has also played multiple seasons with Kiah Stokes. At the same time, the Valkyries are short on cap space and would inadvertently need to include multiple players and potentially draft compensation if they wish to acquire Plum.

However, considering the potential upside, this appears to be the most plausible destination for the 31-year-old, per CBS Sports.

Washington Mystics

Another team in need of an offensive focal point is the Mystics. Washington have a young talent roster featuring the likes of Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron and Shakira Austin. Adding Plum would give them an elite creator who will only improve the players around her.

The Mystics also have nearly $2 million in cap space and can easily afford Plum’s contract and have several stars they can potentially include in a trade package. This includes names such as Lauren Betts, Georgia Amoore and Angela Dugalić, which means Washington will be able to keep their best players while adding a five-time All-Star who is having her career-best year thus far.

As far as Washington is concerned simply because it will give their roster a transformed look, and immediately make them one of the top contenders. The question, meanwhile, remains whether Plum will be willing to extend her stay beyond her current contract.

Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix has quietly emerged as another realistic landing spot because of its salary flexibility and established veteran core. The Mercury possess more than $850,000 in cap space, making Plum’s contract easier to absorb than most playoff contenders.

The Mercury are currently 10th overall with an 11-18 record and need a proven star to help them get back to postseason consideration. However, they are likely to include one of Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper in the trade package, which may prove to be a sticky spot. However, Phoenix may not have the kind of assets the other two teams on this list can afford, which puts them at a major disadvantage.

The post 3 best Kelsey Plum trade destinations if Sparks make blockbuster deadline move appeared first on ClutchPoints.