WNBA rumors: Insider throws cold water on Sparks pulling trigger on Kelsey Plum trade

Trade speculation surrounding Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum has intensified ahead of the WNBA trade deadline, but ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne believes a deal remains unlikely unless another team is willing to meet a steep asking price.

Speaking on NBA Today, Shelburne explained that while the Sparks have recently become more willing to listen to offers, they aren’t actively looking to move the veteran guard.

“The Sparks have been getting calls on Kelsey Plum for weeks, but it’s really just been this week that they’ve been engaging in those calls,” Shelburne said. “If they (the Sparks) were willing to move her right now, what I’m hearing is they’re asking for the world. It doesn’t look like she’ll move unless anybody’s willing to meet that price.”

The timing of the rumors comes as Plum nears her return from injury.

The six-time WNBA All-Star has been sidelined since June with a left lower leg injury, but she is expected to return Sunday against the Portland Fire, where she will reportedly come off the bench while playing under a minutes restriction.

With the trade deadline also falling on Sunday, Plum has acknowledged that her future could remain uncertain.

Speaking to reporters, with quotes obtained by Edwin Garcia, Plum said she isn’t letting the rumors affect her mindset.

“I’m not taking anything personal. I’m gonna be where my feet are. I play for the Sparks, so on Sunday, I’m gonna suit up,” Plum said.

Asked whether she hopes to remain with Los Angeles beyond this season, Plum kept her focus on the present.

“There’s a lot of things that are in the unknown, and those are things outside of my control. For me, my control is to be here, to play the highest level of basketball I could possibly play, and help my team win games.”

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