Sparks' Kelsey Plum says she's not taking trade talk personal - ESPN

Five-time All-Star guard Kelsey Plum on Thursday said she's «not taking anything personal» amid growing speculation that the Los Angeles Sparks could move her before Sunday's trade deadline.

«The thing about professional sports is it's business,» Plum told reporters. «At the end of the day, people have to do what's best for them, and I respect that. And I'm not taking anything personal. For me, I'm going to be where my feet are.»

Plum, who has been out since June 21 because of a lower left leg injury, said she intends to play in the Sparks' next game — on the road against the Portland Fire — which tips 30 minutes after Sunday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.

«I play for the Sparks, so on Sunday, I'm going to suit up and I'm going to give them whatever minute restriction, fill-the-blank-in minutes of hell, coming off the bench,» Plum said following her first official team practice Thursday. «I'm actually really excited about it.»

The Sparks (10-17) are mired in a six-game losing streak and have gone 2-9 in this stretch without Plum, who also missed time earlier in the season because of an ankle injury.

Plum, who led the league in scoring earlier this season, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game — both career-highs — in 12 appearances.

The Sparks have fielded calls about possible deals to move Plum, sources told ESPN. And while those conversations have picked up this week, Los Angeles' asking price has been too high for teams looking to deal for her, sources said.

There is also a concern that Plum, who hits free agency this offseason, would not commit past the remainder of this season, sources said.

Multiple front offices around the league considered the Golden State Valkyries as a potential landing spot for Plum,