The Golden State Valkyries have been simply superb throughout the 2026 WNBA, much thanks to their stellar defense. However, the roster still lacks a sprinkle of offensive stardust that could take them into championship territory -- and that is where Kelsey Plum comes in. Golden State should take advantage of the Los Angeles Sparks' recent misfortunes by offering draft capital, plus Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes in exchange for their star guard.
Golden State Valkyries receive: Kelsey Plum
Los Angeles Sparks receive: Kaila Charles, Tiffany Hayes, (2027 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick) -- Sparks would have to waive an additional player.
Kelsey Plum to the Valkyries makes sense for everybody
The Los Angeles Sparks are at the other end of the spectrum from the Valkyries and are struggling to keep their heads above water. Front-office changes and inconsistent performances have the Sparks languishing 11th overall in the regular-season standings. With a player like Kelsey Plum at their disposal, the franchise should be doing significantly better.
Plum's contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, and with the Sparks currently being the definition of incompetence, it's unlikely that the former Las Vegas Aces star will be willing to extend her stay on the West Coast. If a trade package involving draft capital and an expiring contract is offered -- like Tiffany Hayes' -- the Sparks should strongly consider accepting and contemplate reconstructing their current roster.
From Golden State's perspective, they could be on the brink of a historic season. The Valkyries currently sit second in the regular-season rankings, with a 19-8 record. Not only are they flying high in terms of results, but head coach Natalie Nakase has created a cohesive unit that is difficult to break down. Her team currently tops the defensive rating charts (100.9).
While defense wins championships, it is star players who drag teams across the finish line. Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton are currently doing a magnificent job on both sides of the ball, but Plum's championship experience makes her an ideal candidate to lead the franchise into battle for a historic first WNBA title.
Plum will be the difference-maker
The Golden State Valkyries are hardly struggling offensively, but they don't currently have a player who can take over games on any given night -- Kelsey Plum can be that player.
Before suffering a lower left leg injury, the 31-year-old was reminding the league exactly why they should fear her name every time she steps onto a court, even when she is playing for a struggling outfit like the Sparks.
Over 12 appearances this season, Plum is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game, while shooting 52.7% from the floor. And most importantly for a team set up by Natalie Nakase, Plum has drained 38.3% from deep. Given the Valkyries' tendency to space the floor and shoot their shot from 3-point range, Plum would transition into the team's lineup with relative ease.
Kelsey Plum might not be a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, but the devastation she can enact on the offensive end of the floor could be the difference between the Golden State Valkyries making a deep run in the playoffs and actually winning a championship. Teams should build from a position of strength, and the Valkyries should take advantage of the Los Angeles Sparks' misfortunes while they can.
Add us as a preferred source on Google