Roughly 24 hours before the trade deadline, the Sparks are still negotiating with teams over a potential Kelsey Plum trade, but it seems unclear if a deal will be made.
On Saturday afternoon, Alexa Phillippou and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the Sparks are still discussing deals with teams.
This comes on the heels of a story from Philippou and Malika Andrews on Friday in which they provided more context, including the fact that the Sparks continue to have a high asking price for a player that teams fear could be a rental.
The Sparks have fielded calls about possible deals to move Plum, sources told ESPN. And while those conversations have picked up this week, Los Angeles’ asking price has been too high for teams looking to deal for her, sources said.
There is also a concern that Plum, who hits free agency this offseason, would not commit past the remainder of this season, sources said.
This aligns with the reporting from Annie Costabile of The Athletic on Saturday, who said the primary gap in negotiations centers on how the Sparks and opposing teams value Plum.
Because of all of this, Philippou and Andrews also reported that there is a chance Plum isn’t dealt ahead of the deadline.
Sources told ESPN there’s a real possibility that Plum remains with the Sparks through the deadline and for the rest of the season, with the understanding Los Angeles could very well lose her in free agency next winter.
For now, this feels like leverage plays, but the Sparks don’t have much of it right now. It’s very far from their best interest to have Plum on the roster after the noon Pacific trade deadline on Sunday.
Every team knows that, though, which is how we find ourselves in this situation. But LA has to come to an agreement on a deal as the alternative is pretty bad for them long term.
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