The WNBA trade deadline is approaching, which means it’s the height of silly season, with speculation and rumors running wild.
By Sunday, Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. ET, the madness will be over, but until then, the chaos will ensue.
Typically, WNBA trade deadlines are a bit quiet. Rarely do big trades happen. However, this is the first season under the new CBA, so perhaps that has teams more willing to make a move NOW.
Here are three trades that, on paper, are possible and potentially advantageous for both sides.
In the comment section, let us know how you feel about these trade proposals, while also offering up your own ideas.
TRADE #1: Los Angeles Sparks trade Kelsey Plum to the Washington Mystics for Lauren Betts, Michaela Onyenwere & 2027 first-round pick
The chatter around the Sparks trading Kelsey Plum has been loud.
So far, it’s all smoke and no fire. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and Kendra Andrews, other teams consider Los Angeles’ price for Plum to be too high. Additionally, inquiring teams are concerned that Plum would be a high-priced rental, as she will be an unrestricted free agent.
Plum herself has remained committed to the team and intends to play on Sunday for the Sparks as they face the Portland Fire, declaring that she’s “gonna be where my feet are” and “gonna suit up.”
If LA does want to move Plum and hit the reset button, then acquiring some draft capital and young talent should be the goal. This trade with the Mystics gets that done. Former UCLA Bruin Lauren Betts gives them a rookie center with upside, plus another Bruin in Michaela Onyenwere is enjoying a career year, averaging 10 points per game.
For Washington, they acquire a star guard who can expedite their rebuild. Plum can be the top player on a team almost ready to win now, and she would address the two glaring weaknesses that Josh Felton just identified for the Mystics: 3-point shooting and ball security.
The Sparks would have to waive a player to get this done, but it’s unlikely that would be a huge roadblock.
TRADE #2: Toronto Tempo trade Kia Nurse, Isabelle Harrison & first-round pick to Connecticut Sun for Olivia Nelson-Ododa
Reporting has suggested that the Tempo want to trade for a big. Olivia Nelson-Ododa seems like one that is attainable. The price here is high, but Tempo would satisfy a need.
ONO is averaging 9.7 points per game while converting on 57.9 percent of her shots, which is a career high for the center.
For the Sun, the players aren’t as important. The draft capital here is the prize. Connecticut is moving to Houston, and even a late first-rounder could be beneficial.
In this deal, the Sun would have to waive someone to stay at 12 active players on the roster
TRADE #3: Dallas Wings trade Arike Ogunbowale & Sug Sutton to Phoenix Mercury for Natasha Mack & Monique Akoa-Makani
Okay, this one is a bit radical, but the Wings are filled at the guard spot. They already have Paige Bueckers, and Azzi Fudd is getting better by the day.
So, that makes Arike Ogunbowale more expendable than ever before.
A player that could help them and fill a hole in their roster is Natasha Mack. The forward is averaging nine points per game and could bolster the frontcourt. She would provide Dallas with a quality defender, which they desperately need.
For Phoenix, Ogunbowale would come in and be a great backcourt partner with Kahleah Copper. This deal also has no draft capital, so teams would not risk future assets while balancing out their rosters.
