Experts give positive grades to Sparks for Kelsey Plum trade
By landing a star guard in Kelsey Plum, the Sparks have begun to establish their identity for the upcoming season and experts around the league have liked the move.
The Los Angeles Sparks have kicked off the WNBA trade season by making a blockbuster three-team deal with the Storm and Aces to acquire All-Star guard Kelsey Plum.
While the move cost the Sparks the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, it also gave them the kind of perimeter scoring they have desperately sought since Chelsea Gray's departure in 2020.
Here’s a look at how experts around the WNBA view this trade from the Sparks’ perspective.
Kevin Pelton — ESPN
Adding Plum is a fascinating move for the Sparks that signals their intent to snap a four-year playoff drought by accelerating their rebuild with an upgrade to their backcourt.
We can probably trace the decision to expedite the rebuild to the trade Los Angeles made on the eve of 2024 free agency, acquiring the No. 4 pick (used on Rickea Jackson) from the Storm along with Kia Nurse in exchange for the Sparks’ 2026 first-round pick. Without that pick, Los Angeles wouldn’t benefit from another season in the lottery.
Giving up the No. 2 pick in this deal is painful for the Sparks, who have gone from dreaming of adding Bueckers to their young talent by winning the lottery to having only the No. 9 pick in this year’s first two rounds. Still, given the difficulty of attracting top talent without a dedicated practice facility, I can understand why they wanted to take advantage of Plum’s interest.
Grade: B+
Meghan L. Hall — For The Win
From the Sparks’ perspective, trading for Plum is a safer move than rolling the dice on a top WNBA draft pick. You’re set at the starting guard position if she stays longer than a year. But take this mental sticky note. Free agent Courtney Vandersloot is one name to watch, as landing her could boost the Sparks’ depth at guard. Sloot has championship experience, can run an offense and can give Los Angeles points if needed.
Grade: B+
Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman — The Athletic
The Sparks are taking a huge risk on Plum making a long-term commitment to their franchise, as they could have continued to build for the future with a young guard (likely Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles at No. 2 in the 2025 draft) to complement their young frontcourt. However, it’s hard to stomach any more losing than L.A. has over the past four seasons, and with a new head coach and no 2026 first-round pick, it’s understandable the Sparks want to start a new chapter.
Plum is arguably the best player or asset in this deal and could realistically get the organization back into the playoffs. However, she is turning 31 this season and likely will be on a one-year deal. The potential downside of this trade is enormous. Nevertheless, it’s a move L.A. arguably had to make, and filling its biggest free-agency need is a win.
Grade: B-
Annie Costabile — Chicago Sun Times
Adding Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, to join their young tandem of Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink puts their rebuild on the fast track when considering the rest of their roster. Plum’s former championship teammate Dearica Hamby will be another key piece in the Sparks snapping their four-year playoff drought.
With the Sparks cemented at the bottom of the WNBA in recent seasons, this type of move is a big step in the right direction. Now they have a scoring threat from the guard position and have built a fantastic four with Plum, her former teammate Dearica Hamby and their two young stars, Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.
Sure, it cost them a No. 2 pick, but quality has a price and the Sparks were willing to pay for it. And as seen by the reactions from the experts, it was fair return received in this blockbuster deal.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.