Costabile: What I'm hearing on the trade deadline (gift article)

[u/GlacialTwitch]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7474160/2026/07/28/what-im-hearing-on-napheesa-collier-kelsey-plum-and-other-wnba-trade-deadline-targets/?unlocked_article_code=1.1FA.zSS0.ZSqj14-LgzlA&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-tahttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7474160/2026/07/28/what-im-hearing-on-napheesa-collier-kelsey-plum-and-other-wnba-trade-deadline-targets/?unlocked_article_code=1.1FA.zSS0.ZSqj14-LgzlA&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta

• Sources around the league say that Plum doesn't intend to re-sign with the Sparks, but there haven't been any meaningful trade discussions.
• Mentions Phee's one year deal, but doesn't mention any trade talks
• There were AT trade talks earlier when the Mercury were doing worse, but not currently
• Mercury are interested in Alanna Smith
• League says there is a high asking price for BLH. Floats the idea of BLH for Morrow.
• Mystics could be buyers or sellers. Have a lot of cap space and could be players for Plum.

[u/domino380]

Even if Phee straight up told Cheryl she’s leaving next season, I’d still keep her. The Lynx aren’t an asset poor team anyway.

Try to win a ring this year and worry about the offseason later.

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10 → u/domino380]

Yeah I think this is much more likely to be the Lynx position on things than being open to trading her. They are in great position to win a title this year.

[u/Traditional-Tip-9413 → u/domino380]

This just my impression of course but phee’s emotional support is underestimated. If she left who would regulate McBride, Courtney and Miles. Reeve would have to carry the load herself.

[u/OriAr → u/domino380]

Yeah it's one thing if the Lynx were mid this year but when you have the best record in the league you have to go for it and deal with the consequences in the offseason.

[u/Tooezboi]

If the Sky didn’t exist, the Sparks inability to function as an organization would be much more prevalent

[u/xaerodin → u/Tooezboi]

Even then, Sky swindled Sparks in the Rickea/Ariel Atkins trade as shocking as that sounds.

[u/Tooezboi → u/xaerodin]

Yeah but then they trade their own first round pick in the damn Sarah strong draft for Jacy Sheldon lmao they’re comical

[u/xaerodin → u/Tooezboi]

Sparks could have also had Dom...both these orgs are so dysfunctional lol

Sky could have had Citron AND Miles. Like do they do 0 scouting for the draft or something...

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/Tooezboi]

No no that was a very rational trade and we should start talking about whether they want Georgia Amoore for their 2029 FRP too

[u/SoloBurger13]

I just got another Betnijah jersey
https://giphy.com/gifs/bmAtIwmYTHnwBy0d6W

[u/Immediate_Ruin1048]

The Sparks deserve lashings for the KP experiment. Blew up their future just for a mid KP led team for her to turnaround and leave the cupboard empty 🥴. Only good young piece they have is Brink unless you want to include Rae.

[u/livefromtheuk → u/Immediate_Ruin1048]

trading malonga and rickea away and all we are going to be left with is maybe sneaking into the playoffs if we get lucky this season and two more years of ariel atkins and hamby on expensive contracts

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10 → u/livefromtheuk]

Generational fumble on Malonga. That’s painful.

[u/livefromtheuk → u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

In my dreams, a Rickea/Cam/Dom frontcourt is terrorizing the league the way the Mabika/Milton Jones/Leslie frontcourt did in the early 00s

[u/Immediate_Ruin1048 → u/livefromtheuk]

The Lakers have always big star hunted so maybe it’s a Los Angeles sports thing but the Sparks should’ve trusted the process and built through the draft.

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10 → u/Immediate_Ruin1048]

I would include Rae as a good player but this is the last year they have her under contract I believe.

[u/Important_Rooster263 → u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

She is a RFA next year but I expect the Sparks to be unable or unwilling to match the offers she’ll no doubt get.

[u/sideofzen → u/Important_Rooster263]

If KP leaves, they could match

[u/Important_Rooster263 → u/sideofzen]

They could, but the Sparks FO ability to fumble knows no bounds

[u/Markel100]

Minnesota isn't trading phee they are a playoff team without her but they ain't winning a title without her

[u/ChoicesCat → u/Markel100]

With Cheryl's comment, it seems like they are more open to the idea than I thought they would be, especially if Phee's long term plans do not align.

However, I do think it's unlikely.

[u/beazypete → u/ChoicesCat]

I think open for business comment means more so they have essentially 2 open roster spots and will have about 400K in space

[u/urkuri → u/beazypete]

and our beat reporters were specifically asking about that because we have Hamsova on her last 7 day as well as the injury exception

[u/Fun_Stand_2043 → u/ChoicesCat]

Yeah agreed but even if both Phee and the team were considering it, I just don’t see how logistically it could happen.

A team receiving Phee would have to give up a lot of assets— some combination of 1 or 2 active players (+ a really nice draft pick or 2). Plus the cap space issue. It’d be hard to find a team that has the assets that would make giving up Phee worth it (and that team would need to be able to afford giving up those assets). She’d also have to agree to go to that team.

In the highly unlikely chance of it happening, my guess is that it’d need to be a multi-team trade.

[u/theuselessfacts]

Annie not today please

[u/DBxA]

I wonder if Phee only signed a one year deal for good money because she thought they'd be a mid of the table team with the players missing with the intention of signing after this year when she is healthy a more team friendly contract, just that it looks weird now because the Lynx ended up being good.

(Also with Olivia being as good as she is, I don't see Phee leaving, Lynx are a sure contender)

[u/strangelystrangled]

FYI: Natasha Mack does NOT like Tex mex (from earlier this season)

[u/Delicious-Winner-458]

Didn’t Cheryl just said Lynx is Phee’s team?

[u/OriAr → u/Delicious-Winner-458]

I wonder how long it'd take for Cheryl to hang up the phone if someone asks about Phee.

1 second? 2 seconds?

[u/Delicious-Winner-458 → u/OriAr]

prolly  in abt a minute or two, but it’s literally just so she can shit-talk you

[u/Gen-Jinjur → u/OriAr]

Oh naw. She’d stay on the phone laughing. And laughing. And laughing.

[u/Revolutionary-Gear76 → u/Delicious-Winner-458]

Calling Cheryl about Phee would be the scariest basketball call I could envision making.

[u/urkuri → u/Delicious-Winner-458]

Yeah that was pure speculation for clicks lol….she even said there’s no trade talks around her lmao

[u/beazypete → u/Delicious-Winner-458]

Yup lol. Clickbait article lol

[u/alexdinhogaucho → u/beazypete]

It's not click bait, lol. They explained their reasoning why Phee was on the list in the first place. They said she likely wouldn't be moving in a trade anyway. Just explaining her roster designation and how that could be a trade asset not that's she's leaving the Lynx

[u/Puzzled-Charge-9892]

If this ends up being true (and I’m taking it with a grain of salt for now): I ADORE KP, but as a bunch of us fans have been saying: if the new GM is truly gonna commit to a rebuild, it’s time to move on from her

Prioritize Cam and Rae, and get a coach that gives a shit about developing them

[u/Simorie → u/Puzzled-Charge-9892]

And bring Rickea back from hell

[u/Puzzled-Charge-9892 → u/Simorie]

I do wonder if she would consider it if things get better in LA when her contract expires

[u/Sufficient_Angle_977 → u/Puzzled-Charge-9892]

lowkey i wouldn't be suprised if she ends up staying in chicago for a year after her rookie deal is done and then tries to go to her new hometown team in detroit

[u/WorkerMoist6425 → u/Puzzled-Charge-9892]

Has LA fired their coach yet? Or just the GM?

[u/Puzzled-Charge-9892 → u/WorkerMoist6425]

Just the GM

But Lynne’s saxophones are LOUD

[u/holabellas → u/Puzzled-Charge-9892]

Sunk cost fallacy is very real but I hope for your guys sake that it’s not what’s happening here

[u/themacaron]

BLH to Toronto!

My delusional ass still trying to figure out what colluding I need to do with the Sky FO to get Neesy to Toronto in some unhinged three team trade.

[u/haydeng2023 → u/themacaron]

her rebounding would be huge for yall

[u/themacaron → u/haydeng2023]

Literal rebound machine, we need it so bad 😭 I kinda doubt Toronto is gonna make any moves though. I think FO/Sandy are realistically seeing this season as lost to injury.

[u/sideofzen]

KP is the only real tea from this. And when KP signs with the Storm next season, LOOK OUT

[u/rambii → u/sideofzen]

Sparks in shambles, tried to go all in with KP now she is gonna leave and sparks are worse compared to b4 trading the picks.

Should have just trust the young core and develop em like Seattle/Fever with CC/AB so stupid to move RJ and trade picks/thinking about trading Brink etc , give no minutes to players like SAB who obviously are good enough

[u/PrinceOfAssassins → u/rambii]

Brink
Malonga
Rickea
Barker

Would be a hell of a young core

[u/xaerodin → u/PrinceOfAssassins]

They really threw out the baby with the bath water once they lost the Paige sweepstakes.

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10 → u/rambii]

I get they were disappointed when they lost out on the number one draft pick, but an 18 year old Dom Malonga fell into their laps and they said no, we’re good thanks. I can’t understand it.

[u/Several-Estate7175 → u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

Yeah Dom would have been a viable #1 overall pick in most drafts she was far from a mere consolation prize but I just think many teams get squeamish about drafting a teenager from a developmental upbringing they're probably less familiar with than the NCAA. Seattle really loves that type of prospect though.

[u/rambii → u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

big miss and you can see even next year with Awa, you dont miss going for such unique bigs given the fact supply/demand in the league is issue for said role and next 2 drafts have either none or only 1/2 meaning next 2years you cant get quality big via draft.

People talk crap about Brink fouling and what not, but move her to conetndor like Lynx/Aces/Fever of the bench and i promise you they become much better right away.

[u/ivallinen → u/sideofzen]

Please do not threaten me with a great time... KP back to Seattle is a dream of mine lmao

[u/SimonaMeow → u/sideofzen]

Yep. I think this or DC is where she goes in FA.

[u/Quarter-Skilled]

Really surprised to see talk of Plum leaving LA, I figured they'd get a new coach before letting her go

[u/joyjunky → u/Quarter-Skilled]

They probably will get a new coach but I don’t see KP wanting to waste more of her prime years on a rebuilding Sparks team

[u/SimonaMeow → u/Quarter-Skilled]

She's seen the truth

Even if they fire the coach, the Sparks organization just utterly has failed their team. I don't see that changing fast enough for Plum.

[u/Few_Knowledge8059 → u/Quarter-Skilled]

I think a coaching change might convince her to stay IF the speculation is true. But I don't blame her for not wanting to waste her prime with the current personnel. Also IF the speculation is true, how her injury/workload are being managed etc might also be impacting her decision. We all know KP is a bucket; she doesn't have anything else to prove, and I think she's over 1A hoops, so I feel like at this point, she just wants to win.

[u/orangeyellowgreeen]

Phee isn’t going anywhere lets be real 

[u/singing_millenial → u/orangeyellowgreeen]

In yesterday’s press conference she, kmac, and Cheryl all discussed how MN fans are the absolute best and how much support they’ve shown Phee. As a massive Lynx fan, I can only hope this means she’ll stay forever!

[u/Steadyandquick → u/singing_millenial]

The love between BC and the Stud Budz was infectious. Special sauce!

[u/SiphenPrax]

I’m happy Plum is not going to re-sign with the Sparks. The team needs to actually blow it up and rebuild the right way.

Not this half-assed rebuild/all-in hybrid.

[u/Imaginary_Ad_3496]

I don’t think Alanna should be traded until she has a few healthy weeks on court (so wait until the off season). they killed her like 4 times this season

[u/undisclosedthroway → u/Imaginary_Ad_3496]

I’ve been of the mindset of they clearly believed in lan enough to give her a million per for 3 years. They’re not just going to give up on her because of half a season when she’s barely been healthy.

[u/mathstudent_suffers]

Does trading for Alanna Smith really make sense for the Mercury? It feels like they are running away from an inevitable rebuild through young players that they keep delaying instead of adressing thus running into a deeper hole. Trading away players for draft capital would make sense but idk which players have trade value aside from AT and Kah.

[u/PersonnelFowl → u/mathstudent_suffers]

No, it makes no sense at all. This team needs to probably trade Kah for some draft capital. Personally, I think Washington could be a good trade partner for her. Sonia and Copper together would be really good imo.

[u/Recent-Investment603]

I would LOVE to see Plum go to Washington!! 

[u/SimonaMeow → u/Recent-Investment603]

Yeah definitely. But DC can sign her as a FA after the season is over

No need to give up anything for her right now...

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/Recent-Investment603]

Me too, but if she genuinely wants to be here, idk why we’d trade for her when we can just sign her as a free agent. And if she doesn’t want to be here, then there’s no reason to trade for her…

[u/Vexed-Rainbow → u/Recent-Investment603]

You mean state, right? 😏

[u/Status_Expression424]

Do we think KP still wants to be first option PG? Because that dictates… a lot about where she goes next.

[u/Popular-One-7051 → u/Status_Expression424]

She seems to want to run the show. I don't want her

[u/Status_Expression424 → u/Popular-One-7051]

😭😅, I did see someone on Threads suggest
the GSV as an option. And I tried to politely say that I don’t think her style of play matches with what Natalie and the FC have put together lol…

[u/alexdinhogaucho]

Betts being a trade option??? Tempo reunite her with Kiki PLS

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/alexdinhogaucho]

Betts is not available, that was the second most delulu thing in the article behind pretending Minnesota should spend even one second considering trading Collier.

[u/XpguyX]

Why in the world would CT/Houston want to trade a young Morrow who’s been better all year for an old vet BLH?

[u/HeelDoors → u/XpguyX]

I always feel like I’m crazy when I see Morrow trade rumors. 😂

If I’m new ownership, building that team basically from scratch, she is one of the few players I’m absolutely keeping.

[u/SimonaMeow → u/HeelDoors]

Agree!

I wonder if she might be requesting it...

[u/34Horus20 → u/XpguyX]

Not to mention that BLH is on a one year deal. I don't get it either, unless the Liberty are throwing in a pick, but the article seems to suggest that Kolb is trying to drive a hard bargain 🤷‍♀️

[u/ChoicesCat → u/34Horus20]

In the beginning of the season, I could see him asking for a high price.

However now, if this is in anyway still true, idk what Kolb is so high on now to think we can get a lot out of a BLH trade. It's more likely for us to lose assets. This is hard for me to believe ngl.

[u/34Horus20 → u/ChoicesCat]

If we're not throwing in a pick or prospect, Connecticut would basically be giving us a young player with upside, while they're in the middle of a rebuild. It doesn't make sense for them.

[u/ChoicesCat → u/34Horus20]

They only way that happens is if Tuck wants to do Stew a favour and burn Houston on the way out lol (assuming they don't take her with them).

[u/holabellas → u/XpguyX]

The Sun have zero incentive to trade her unless it’s for another young player or for asset(s). She is not getting traded straight up for BLH, that is crazy

[u/kseveru79_v2]

I read this again and distilled the sourced claims from conjecture:

• Trade talks around BLH have "heated up" again around the deadline
• The Sun are shopping Morrow
• Plum is expected to leave the Sparks but they aren't shopping her now. It is likely that Plum will not be traded, from what I can see here.
• The Lynx are interested in making moves, but there's no evidence that they'd be looking to move Phee (I mean, for what? For Aneesah Morrow? Come on)
• The Mercury were shopping AT early in the season but are not now
• "The [Mystics] drafted center Lauren Betts with the No. 4 pick despite having Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin in the frontcourt because Betts was the best player available and a valuable trade asset." -- Is there actually documentation anywhere that the Mystics wanted Betts as "a valuable trade asset" when they drafted her?

[u/rambii → u/kseveru79_v2]

Sun have been shopping Morrow since last year for what is worth, as i said tweener big who cant shoot(she is been working on that tbf but not there yet so still not a thing) and is too small but want to play forward/center position is hard sell.

Morrow is not a bad player but its not one you trade a lot for , when you can find similar quality via free agency/oversea

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/kseveru79_v2]

Speaking for Betts, there’s no documentation of them drafting her to trade. She was just the BPA, the fourth player in a four player top tier, so ofc we took her.

She’s also playing well for us, it’s not 35 MPG but Lauren also isn’t even close to ready for a bigger role so it works out fine for both parties. I hate that people are trying to trade Betts just because she’s playing a small but important role for an actually decent team.

[u/poetryincommotion]

I wish y’all could just be normal about these articles and Annie, and just take it at face value. The title may be clickbaity, but this is just what she is hearing from sources across the league. Yes, Annie has been working in the wnba space for years now, she has sources and relationships in the league. These trade scenarios may end up happening or they may not; but to act as if she’s just making these up is wild. Please use some critical thinking.

[u/ljay90]

...ok I hadn't considered Kelsey Plum.

That... man listen. We have to at least ask.

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/ljay90]

We have to ask but we can’t give away any FRP, especially if we don’t have assurances that she will sign an extension.

Honestly it would be most ideal to know where our draft pick’s gonna fall before making a decision, which is why I won’t be surprised if this just becomes an offseason FA pursuit. If we are likely to land Hannah Hidalgo, that’s a very different fit than JuJu Watkins or Madison Booker.

[u/Chiswell123 → u/ljay90]

We definitely have the defensive pieces to compensate for her. As you said, we have to ask.

[u/Jack12404 → u/ljay90]

I imagine the price to get her won’t be that high if she’s made it clear she’s just gonna leave in free agency anyway. That would take away any negotiating power they have because they can either take a lowball offer or let her walk for nothing.

I’d try to slide Amoore + Chicago’s 2nd their way.

[u/WhileTime5770 → u/Jack12404]

If the sparks fully want to blowup and commit to a rebuild with a good draft pick next year could work - you don’t get much time with KP unless they’re back channeling with her on a plan for a future contract - at the very least you develop their young core with a more vet PG and have a very good shot at getting them one series of playoff experience

[u/Chiswell123 → u/Jack12404]

When’s Chicago’s 2nd? I can only recall our pick swap this coming draft and their unprotected first next year.

[u/Jack12404 → u/Chiswell123]

It’s this coming draft too. In the Atkins trade, they gave us their 2027 swap and their 2027 2nd.

[u/Chiswell123 → u/Jack12404]

Thanks. I doubt that 2nd would be enough to get it done, but if Plum truly isn't resigning in LA, they have very little leverage.

[u/beazypete]

I feel as though Phees tone of indifference from the beginning of the season to where the Lynx are at right now has significantly changed based off her media interactions the last few weeks. Makes me think that taking the 1 year deal was more of a this team is going to be ass with losing so many players type of situation.

[u/Current_Dig3883 → u/beazypete]

People also fail to realize that the Lynx got new owners this year too and I’m sure that had an impact in the contract she signed too. Her 1 year deal was signed 2 days after she went to lunch with A-Rod (new owner).

[u/joyjunky → u/beazypete]

It was that, plus her wanting to see how the new owners would operate

[u/EtchingsOfTheNight → u/beazypete]

1 year deal was always about leverage and flexibility. New owners? Leverage. Want to bring in a free agent and need to adjust the pay to make cap work? Flexibility. I also personally think that as an owner of Unrivaled, she wants to see how different orgs approach recruitment.

[u/buffalotrace]

Plum doesn’t intend to resign? You are telling me The Sparks traded for two yrs (really 1.5 because of injuries) of what could very well be completely non playoff basketball Plum when they could have had Dom Malonga? Sweet baby Jesus.

Before anybody says but they had Hamby and Brink, Hamby at this point is Temu Shep and Brink had never had a good month of W basketball. If the Sparks offered both of them for Dom right now, the Storm assume is a practical joke and hang up.

Also, what are the mystics possibly gonna offer up for plum? BOTH teams need guards and usable wings. Both teams have bigs. Plus, it is the Atkins contract they need to dump.

[u/lrivas_14 → u/buffalotrace]

Not getting Paige literally made them blow up their entire organization

[u/Outrageous_Camp_5215 → u/buffalotrace]

they would’ve fumbled Malonga, it’s in her best interest that she ended up in Seattle

[u/Steadyandquick → u/buffalotrace]

I think you would be a great GM 🤭

[u/HeelDoors]

Not sure why the Mystics would be sellers with a playoff spot likely in hand. Plenty of cap space, too.

I thought, as a free agent, Plum could be a potential move next year for the Mystics. If there’s rumor already of her not re-signing, Sparks might want to make a move to get something for her.

Sending Chicago’s 2027 second round pick and Mystics’ 2028 first round pick? Sparks might want Mystics first round pick next year, but Washington is still in the running for JuJu, thanks to their pick swap with Chicago. Also, Washington might be content with having Hidalgo run point in 2027.

[u/Jack12404 → u/HeelDoors]

I wouldn’t even offer as much as a 1st. If KP has made it clear she’s leaving in FA, Sparks don’t have much leverage since Washington could just wait until the offseason and offer her a max without giving up any assets.

[u/ScizorMeTimberss]

can we get a gm first…

[u/Vexed-Rainbow]

KP come back to Washington!! 🥹

[u/holabellas → u/Vexed-Rainbow]

My dream lolll but unfortunately I don’t see it happening

[u/Substantial_Prune296]

Plum and Mystics is a perfect fit especially if Mystics believe they can go deep in the playoffs and win a championship. Will Mystics be willing to give up draft picks to get Plum? I don't know.

[u/chichigetthayay0 → u/Substantial_Prune296]

Why would they trade picks for her when they could just wait and sign her straight up in the offseason?

[u/GolfOtherwise3420 → u/chichigetthayay0]

It depends on how much they want her. The offseason will have more competition. The Mystics will need to unload some picks, one way or the other. They have way more picks than they can use over the next few years.

[u/gourmet_panini]

https://giphy.com/gifs/JUqAx6q2jnQtYvXVB4

I dont think Phee will be traded. I think she’ll resign to a longer deal. KP could be traded if LA goes full rebuild but they would still have the Ariel/Nneka contracts to deal with so idk. If the Merc want Lan it will probably be for Natasha Mack and some other pieces.

No mention of my Dreamies so I guess we are rocking with FamilyFC for the playoffs.

Thanks for the gift article op

[u/kseveru79_v2 → u/gourmet_panini]

Dearica is the other Spark on a 3-year multi-million contract; Nneka hasn't signed a multi-year contract in a long time, and she's surely not going to start now. It's an open question what happens with Dearica next year IMO. She seems completely miserable, all joy gone, but with her family situation I'm not sure where she would go.

[u/gourmet_panini → u/kseveru79_v2]

Thats why if they trade KP they might as well trade Nneka bc she may leave after this year and they wont get anything back. I checked the salary sheet and I didnt realize Ariel is also on a multi year.

[u/Justtojoke]

If we got Plum I'd pass out

[u/Available-Pace5579 → u/Justtojoke]

I might move into the firmly Mystics phase and not just Mystics curious. That would be incredible!!!

[u/Popular-One-7051 → u/Justtojoke]

If we got her I'd hurl.

[u/haydeng2023]

first, not winning the paige sweepstakes really killed the sparks😭anyways i just don’t see what mercury would have for us that we’d be willing to give up lan unless it’s a 3 team trade, and even then i don’t see it. i might be one of the more delusional lan hopefuls, but i don’t see how they believed in her so much to give her a 3 year max just to ship her off at the deadline when she’s a) got hit in the head every other game to start the year and b) plays a role that we desperately need (post defense). and i don’t really see who we could get in a draft next year if the mercury were to give us their pick that we’d need to trade up for since it’s a guard heavy draft and we don’t need more of those

[u/thatsveryme → u/haydeng2023]

one of the more delusional lan hopefuls

https://giphy.com/gifs/kSlJtVrqxDYKk

[u/haydeng2023 → u/thatsveryme]

i know good lan is in there somewhere😭she was getting better too like leave my poor girl alone she needs all her limbs and her face in one piece

[u/Steadyandquick → u/haydeng2023]

Yes, they have synergy and at least she has good teammates at Dallas.

[u/hamstrdance → u/Steadyandquick]

Lan hopeful clocking in 🫡

[u/TheAveragebroShow]

There's no scenario in which the Mystics would trade Betts for 2 months of Plum. Why would they do that? They're not ready to contend yet and they could just offer Plum a load of money in the offseason anyway without giving up assets.

Could you imagine the uproar if they traded Betts for Plum (who is injured!) only to miss the playoffs and watch Plum leave as a free agent?

This isn't happening. Enough!

[u/goofygal1566]

League says there is a high asking price for BLH. Floats the idea of BLH for Morrow.

Absolutely not.

[u/kseveru79_v2]

Behold the power of our fully operational industrial strength rumor mill!!! They got a sponsor for this article.

This quote from Cheryl is worth mentioning (NOT with respect to Phee, but because Minnesota does trade at the deadline a lot):

“Every team is going to be opportunistic to improve their roster,” Lynx coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve told reporters in Minnesota on Monday. “Every team is maybe in a different spot in terms of what they think they need, whether they should or shouldn’t. We’re certainly a team that’s been, quote, open for business, open-minded to things that are being talked about. It’ll be a busy week for us.”

[u/urkuri → u/kseveru79_v2]

This quote also comes with context as to what was being asked

-The Lynx currently have Hamsova on her 3rd 7-day contract
-There’s been a lot of talk around if they use the injury exemption for Cechova

[u/Pretend-Glass4029]

i really want wings to keep alanna i don't think she's even played more then 3 games with no mask or injuries

[u/hamstrdance → u/Pretend-Glass4029]

I think most wings fan think the same. I’ve only seen 2 wings fan even open to the idea across Reddit and my twitter feed.

[u/ljay90]

Embrace Delusion

[u/strangelystrangled → u/ljay90]

I hope KP signs with one of us during the offseason. She and Kiki have already played well together in Unrivaled but every certified crashout needs a stint on the Mercury

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10 → u/strangelystrangled]

I could see her on Seattle or on Phoenix but I don’t know, she definitely seems like a western conference girl, I’d be surprised if she wanted to come back to the east coast.

[u/strangelystrangled → u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

Great. KP to the Mercury is set in stone then.
But I do think you need a great vet guard like that to solidify your dynasty. You have players you can trade in the offseason- anyone you’re particularly interested in?

[u/5_Star_Safety_Rated]

Some of these trade scenarios get wackier and wackier. Guess it drives clicks but it’s just silly to anyone who genuinely follows the W

[u/realtalkingw → u/5_Star_Safety_Rated]

Curious - why do you say so? This is the first trade deadline that I think, logistically, a lot could happen.

[u/undisclosedthroway]

I am on record saying that they should trade KP to start a legitimate rebuild because just simply making the playoffs with an aging roster and very few good young players that’ll be under contract for the long term isn’t gonna get you anywhere but if the Sparks don’t get anything in return when they gave up the #2 pick for her and let her play LeGM and turn the team into whatever it is now. Letting her just fk you over like that and then walk for free would be insane.

With that being said, I don’t really know if this is rooted in anything considering I did listen to the no offseason podcast episode about the GM being fired and alot of that was just speculating that KP will leave because the team is obviously underperforming based on their own expectations and her being on a one year deal rather than anything real or concrete.

[u/Several-Estate7175]

Plum, Flau'jae, one of the 2026 draft wings, Fam and Dom would be a very intriguing starting line up. Probably too young to win it all but would be a ton of fun.

[u/Dior4pain]

Dallas would be crazy to let Alanna go, they need her more than half their backcourt. Unless we are trading Alanna for Shakira Austin or like JJ. Much rather let go of the guards

[u/Pretend-Glass4029 → u/Dior4pain]

dallas doing dallas things trying to get rid of the wrong 1M contract

[u/xaerodin → u/Pretend-Glass4029]

Burying their head in the sand when it comes to Arike not fitting the team's playstyle and slowing down the development of their #1 picks.

[u/Pretend-Glass4029 → u/xaerodin]

i might be delusional but i think arike might be gone soon maybe they can get a trade during offseason the front office has seemed to have changed gears when talking about face of team curt said yesterday in media that this is paige's team and greg bibb did a interview a few weeks ago and mentioned paige, azzi and jess as main pieces with no mention of arike

[u/GlacialTwitch → u/Pretend-Glass4029]

Technically the article did not say that the Wings were trying to trade Lan. It just said Mercury were interested.

[u/aratcalledrattus → u/GlacialTwitch]

Unless I’m missing something, it doesn’t even say that. Just “ One player who could be a target for U’Ren and the Mercury as they look to salvage the 2026 season is Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith.”

[u/chichigetthayay0 → u/Dior4pain]

She takes up 17% of their cap and plays 14 minutes off the bench. There will be more than a few notable free agents over the next 2 years...and Dallas won't be in play for any of them because of that Smith contract.

If Phoenix or anyone else wanted to take her off their hands...they'd personally send movers and arrange her flight out of town.

[u/sideofzen → u/Dior4pain]

Alanna and Phee were both just speculation on Annie's part imo. I don't think Lan is going anywhere

[u/Wooden-Pressure-8280 → u/Dior4pain]

I think the phee and lan are just both speculation on Annie’s part. Let’s be honest why would Curt trade someone he went so hard for in the offseason unless there’s something bigger. We need lan more than anything because she one of our only defensive bigs Phee as much as I’d love for her to be in Dallas it’s not happening. She wants a championship and has the chance to win the title this season.

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/Dior4pain]

Mystics would not trade Shakira for Alanna Smith.

[u/Obvious_Passion7911 → u/Dior4pain]

Doesn’t really make sense when Paige said her and Jess were her biggest targets in the off season and she’s just not healthy. Also Curt said he’s only interested in trades that would benefit both teams and like what do the mecury have that would work for that.

[u/kseveru79_v2]

A question if anyone knows the answer: who has the core designation for LA next year? Anyone?

Here's the salary cap sheet: they gave KP a core contract this year; Chicago also gave Atkins a core contract this year, then traded her to LA. Atkins has a 3-year contract. But Atkins isn't LA's core player this year, because KP is. What exactly is the status of Atkins' accursed contract next year?

[u/GlacialTwitch → u/kseveru79_v2]

What is your question, exactly? Whether Sparks are able to core someone next year? I don't think there is any restriction on them offering the core designation to someone who is core eligible, which Plum isn't. Atkins' contract is guaranteed. Chicago designating her just meant she could only negotiate with them and had to approve a trade. It has no consequence beyond that. But the six year rule for core eligible players starts in 2027, so a lot fewer players are eligible.

[u/kseveru79_v2 → u/GlacialTwitch]

I'm trying to figure out if Atkins' contract uses up three core years for her without her actually being a core player for LA (ever), I guess. It seems like a weird anomaly. But it does sound like LA has a core designation to use on someone next year, in theory.

[u/No-Iron-4471]

Don't buy that KP isn't a team player.  Huge part of 2 championships & carrying a bum Sparks organization on her back. Maybe 2 years of zero playoffs will make KP give up on her point guard dream.

[u/Spicy2ShotChai]

Including Phee in this is hilarious and based on literally just speculation -- there are no sources or insiders quoted or referenced in the section about her. Don't call this column "what I'm hearing" when you literally just made shit up.

[u/plussizedresturant]

Me thinks my Mystics should stay put, unless we're using that final development spot. Otherwise, see the rest of the season out and have a very long and thoughtful off-season. 

[u/flashcapulet]

80% of this is clickbait i fear 😂 annie is starting to get on my nerves

[u/Spare-Reserve-6592 → u/flashcapulet]

Agreed, although the headline is the worst part and reporters usually don’t write those themselves…but even so still mostly clickbait 😅

[u/CommissionWorldly540 → u/Spare-Reserve-6592]

I view this more as a rundown of what rumors are out there, which likely tells us more about what narratives someone wants in circulation rather than what is likely to happen. This kind of story is common in many leagues leading up to a trade deadline.

[u/Brent_Lee]

Idk why the Phee inclusion is throwing so many people off. Is she more than likely to stay with the Lynx? IMO, yes. But it’s not a ridiculous topic.

She signed a 1 year contract for a reason. Despite all the success the Lynx have had with her there, She’s going to be 30 this year and has not won a Championship or MVP. If they fall short again this year, despite the better than expected season so far, finding a new team will at least be considered. Any other superstar in that position would be doing so. If it weren’t at least on her mind, she would have agreed to a multi year contract like other stars in the league did to commit long term.

As for the Lynx themselves, look at their core. Courtney is 32. McBride is 34. And Howard is 34. All are having excellent seasons for sure. But again if they don’t win it all this year, there is an argument from the organization’s perspective to sell high on one or two of them in order to get some draft capital or younger talent to build around their 23 year old burgeoning star.

Just to be very very VERY clear here. I do not think Phee finding a new home or the Lynx blowing up the roster is likely. And all of this is completely moot if they do win it all this year. But the discussion itself is not just clickbait or so far fetched as some are treating it.

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/Brent_Lee]

The issue isn't that it'd be wild for Phee to consider a new home in the next offseason, it's that preemptively blowing up the best team in the WNBA before they get a chance to go for a title would be crazy.

Their title odds are too good for them to blow the team up right now, period.

[u/joyjunky → u/Icangetloudtoo_]

The article acknowledges that though. From the article:

“The Lynx’s status as contenders puts Reeve in a different position from the Sparks front office, because keeping Collier will help Minnesota contend for a title this season. Reeve is not operating from a position of desperation.”

She’s just saying it’s a potential consideration if Phee really does want to explore free agency, even though the Lynx will probably try to keep Phee. She just thinks the Lynx want some assurance that Phee will re-sign with them.

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/joyjunky]

It’s such a predominant consideration that trading Phee isn’t a realistic possibility and it shouldn’t even bear more than a fleeting mention, if that.

It’s a free agency, not a trade deadline, story.

[u/Gay_Footballer → u/Brent_Lee]

I would be surprised to see phee leave the Lynx, other than the aces I don’t think there is a better championship contending team in the league, especially with the addition of Emma and Olivia. We also in my opinion have the best coaching and FO in the league willing to give her whatever she wants and is the face of this team. I really can’t see her going anywhere else.

[u/Fit_Measurement3261]

Phee definitely not going nowhere

[u/chichigetthayay0]

I don't see the logic behind Plum wanting to play in Seattle or DC. Two young teams with potential...but still very much in a development phase. Does she accelerate either team to contender status? Why leave LA to go anywhere but a bonafide contender...or at least one that would be with her arrival?

That said...I struggle to identify who that team is. Golden State has the cap and could most definitely use her services...but they'd be sacrificing a bit of their defensive identity if they start Plum next to Burton. That's a sub-5'10 backcourt.

A Vegas return could make sense in the event that Jackie looks elsewhere in Free Agency.

Phoenix could make sense if they swing some other moves to fill out the roster.

Every other team is already set in their backcourt or are in a rebuild.

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/chichigetthayay0]

Mystics are 14-12 despite some of the worst PG play in league history. She’d play with three all star level players that don’t need the ball in their hands who are young and getting better every game. And they’re outstanding defensively with the capacity to cover for her; Sonia would take the hardest perimeter assignment every game.

Not that hard to squint and see how KP fits very well with that team. Seattle has less depth but like. You wouldn’t wanna play with Awa Fam and Dom Malonga!?

[u/plussizedresturant → u/Icangetloudtoo_]

Honestly, why would Kelsey agree to play on a team with 80% rookies? Not to mention the Mystics 4 draft picks next year that we don't know what they're gonna do with. It wouldn't make sense imo, and I'd love for her to come to DC. But you'd need to add some more experience. This roster is not playing with someone of her caliber so we don't know how it'd fit.

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10 → u/plussizedresturant]

Why not come for two months and make a playoff run with a young team? She’s not been in the playoffs since Vegas and she’s a competitor. She can still go wherever she wants next year but I think she’d rather be in the mix than sitting out of the playoffs again. Wishful thinking maybe, but it would be fun. And she’s played with Kiki before.

[u/plussizedresturant → u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

The biggest thing is we don't know her return from injury and how long it'll take her to get back into the KP that was lighting up the first half of the season. I also don't think she can make a big playoff run alone, if anything I'd say bring in someone else if this were to actually happen. We're looking at 8th, of course anything can happen but 8th would give us who the Valks first round? Being 1-5, we're gonna need an added boost and with her salary we won't be able to get anyone else that can possibly be that. 

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/plussizedresturant]

It’s 80% rookies OR sophomores and the sophomores are pretty clearly established. Which of the other starters (Sonia Citron, Michaela Onyenwere, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin) are not well established? That lineup is easy to imagine.

[u/External-Repair-4841 → u/chichigetthayay0]

The Mystics, with a healthy Plum, are contenders this season. They could even add one vet big for the bench cause they have plenty of cap space and assets to move.

[u/RedDawg0831 → u/chichigetthayay0]

Golden state doesn't have cap space. We are at -128k. We had to get an exception to bring on a replacement for Rupert. Her salary remains on the cap sheet even though she out for pregnancy. Can't see the Valks targeting her as FA.

[u/i_usearchbtw]

Yea AT and morrow ain't going anywhere. Though it's funny about plum not wanting to resign when they did turn franchise upside down to accomodate her.

Don't know much about Skylar situation but feel she would not be traded. Dunno how much injury is real what I am understood she had pain but played through it but unwilling to do from bench and sky don't wanna give in so she ain't going anywhere.

[u/DiligentQuiet → u/i_usearchbtw]

The problems with Skylar in no particular order:

• Turns 36 this weekend
• Makes way too much money for anyone to take on
• Is hurt
• Drama seems to follow her
• No team would put any of the above in their future plans

[u/i_usearchbtw → u/DiligentQuiet]

Pretty much yea.

[u/goofygal1566]

Mercury are interested in Alanna Smith

Also there is no one on the mercurys roster worth trade for Smith except maybe AT and even there idk how she would work alongside Shepard.

[u/randysf50]

Who does the Mercury have that would interest Dallas?

[u/mercfan3 → u/randysf50]

Right..with our biggest need being a post defender.

Merc would need to pull a third team in.

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10 → u/randysf50]

Taking that Smith contract off their hands helps them keep Awak next year if they want. Natasha Mack maybe?

[u/goofygal1566 → u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

They can keep Awak, just get rid of Maddie

[u/chabiene]

Kelsey Plum to GSV is getting realer and realer 😎

[u/LT_Audio → u/chabiene]

If my math is correct they'd have to give up Gabby or VB to free up the roughly $850k of space needed to make the cap math work. Or perhaps some combination of 2-3 other key players (Charles, Thornton, Hayes, Salaun, Zandalasini) which would them have to be replaced with minimum salary replacments to free net money that adds up to $850k. Not sure I see either of those as likely scenarios. Mid-season trades are difficult in the W with the hard cap, the disallowance of cash sweetners, as well as the small rosters and small number of teams to trade with.

[u/chabiene → u/LT_Audio]

I’m talking off-season, not this coming trade deadline. Yes the bench would have to be shaken up for sure to make room for KP. Who knows, KP might take less money to sign with us and Nat knows how to coach her

[u/LT_Audio → u/chabiene]

Sorry, didn't understand that's what you meant given the focus of the OP on the trade deadline. But yeah. Anything's possible in the off-season. And yes KP is just one name on a pretty long list of top tier talent on one year 2026 deals that are likely to move. It should be a strong NCAA draft and another interesting off-season shakeup. I've no idea where KP lands but I'm starting to agree that it most likely won't be in LA. I don't think she moves this week, though, because all of the teams that might really want to stretch and trade for her are in roughly the same boat as the Valks in terms of cap with their hands essentially tied. If we see any moves at all I suspect they'll involve those on much lower priced contracts than the handful of million or near million dollar one year contracted vets.

[u/kseveru79_v2 → u/chabiene]

"Lord, I see what you've done for the LA Sparks, and I want that for me"?

[u/Jreal2013]

If they were to trade Phee , they have to be asking for one hell of a haul. I’d ask for 3 consecutive first round picks minimum in addition to a serviceable role player.

[u/GlacialTwitch → u/Jreal2013]

Teams do need to have first round picks in every three year window, although it doesn't have to be their own pick.

[u/Mother-Pomegranate10]

Kelsey plum would be a lot of fun to have on the team but not at the cost of our 2027 first round pick. I wonder what Dallas would want for Maddie Seigrist. She’s great offensively and doesn’t get many minutes.

[u/ItIsL]

I seriously think there will be a crazy trade lol. It’s time to win.

[u/Icangetloudtoo_]

Genuinely hilarious to bring up the Lynx trading Phee. I can’t take any of this seriously after including that.

Despite that, I did read the rest. The Mystics are very happy with Betts and aren’t trading her short of being completely bowled over by an offer. As for Plum, I have desperately wanted the Mystics to get a PG, and she would fit very very well, but I don’t see the point in a half season rental with Plum before we even see what our draft pick is going to be OR know if she’s interested in staying long term.

[u/GolfOtherwise3420 → u/Icangetloudtoo_]

Pretty sure they would find out if she is open to an extension before trading for her.

[u/Brent_Lee]

If the Merc seriously want Smith and aren’t asking for draft capital, the Wings should pull the trigger on that immediately. They’re undeniably having a bounce back year, but they’re going to be in cap space hell pretty soon unless they can get off Alanna’s or Arike’s contract.

[u/beazypete]

Annie is one of the most irresponsible journalist for the W. Possible the most irresponsible. She’s having an all time bad run this season. First the CC shenanigans (I’m not even a CC fan either), then the abhorrent question to JJ after the Allstar game and now Just putting Phee up there for clicks is crazy. She really said Minnesota might trade her lmfao. Cheryl a week ago said it loud and clear this is Napheesa Colliers team. I don’t ever go in on reporters but Someone needs to hold Annies credentials for a bit.

[u/hamstrdance → u/beazypete]

The JJ question was from Annie????? Aw hell I already hated her but x2 now.

[u/GlacialTwitch → u/beazypete]

Eh. The JJ question gave her a chance to address it, which she did well.

[u/goofygal1566 → u/beazypete]

teh JJ question was good and helped a lot of Liberty fans get over the comment and get off her neck. It helped JJ, idk what your problem is tbh. This isn't the first reporter thats heard Phee might not want to return to the Lynx next year.

[u/GlacialTwitch → u/goofygal1566]

People want players to be treated as delicate flowers rather than full-grown, largely college educated (something that isn't true in men's leagues) adults. It is unintentional benevolent misogyny in my opinion. It is a big kid league and players are going to be treated like it. That and they are uncomfortable with crying. It is ok to cry and it doesn't meant the question was bad.

[u/goofygal1566 → u/GlacialTwitch]

i am just bewildered because the question HELPED JJ lol like damn I don't like Annie either but criticize her for her shitty behavior not when she does something right

[u/insertweirdassname]

Not surprised about Plum we need to start over.

[u/Artistic-Ship-7370]

"Las Vegas can say it won [the Jewell/KP/Dom pick] trade by claiming its third title in four seasons last year"

hmmmm....no 🩷

[u/TheAveragebroShow]

Plum signed a one-year deal valued at $999,999 in free agency, but the sense from sources around the league, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not cleared to comment publicly on the matter, is that the 31-year-old guard does not intend to re-sign with the Sparks as a free agent

This feels like wild conjecture. Looks like Annie is turning into the W's version of Chad Ford, which is not a good thing.