KELSEY PLUM RETURNS TO SPARKS PRACTICE AMID TRADE RUMOURS

Kelsey Plum returned to practice on Thursday after five weeks sidelined by a lower left leg soft-tissue injury, and stated she intends to play for the Los Angeles Sparks in their Sunday fixture against Portland Fire. Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, said she was not taking trade speculation personally and would focus on performing at the highest level possible. The Sparks hold a 10-17 record and are in a six-game losing streak. The WNBA trade deadline falls at 3 PM ET on Sunday, thirty minutes before the Los Angeles-Portland tip-off.

Before her injury, Plum averaged 23.9 points, 6.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game, shooting 52.7 per cent from the field and 38.3 per cent from three-point range. She is in the final year of a contract worth $999,999 and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said on Thursday that all options remained under consideration, stating the franchise needed to evaluate whether to keep the roster intact or make changes to return to competitive form.

Plum acknowledged the business nature of professional sports and indicated awareness that circumstances beyond her control could affect her future with the team. The timing of Sunday's deadline and game creates potential for late developments in her status. The Sparks' front office faces a decision between trading Plum for assets before she leaves in free agency, or keeping her for the remainder of the season.