WNBA trade deadline tracker: Live rumors, news, updates before 2026 deadline

WNBA trade deadline tracker: Live rumors, news, updates before 2026 deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The WNBA is heading into the home stretch, as the trade deadline signals the final months of the regular season.

With the WNBA playoff picture pretty clear-cut, given that there is a significant gap between the eighth and ninth teams in the standings, many of the trade deadline moves could be more for playoff positioning with eyes on the postseason run.

The question becomes which teams at the top of the standings feel good about their playoff-caliber rosters, and which ones feel as though they need to add upgrades. Additionally, a team like the Golden State Valkyries may aim to be aggressive in their first season of contention.

A few big names, however, could be on the move because they are playing on expiring contracts, with Kelsey Plum and even Napheesa Collier set to hit free agency after the season. Of course, there could also be some surprise players on the move that might change the race for a WNBA championship.

The Sporting News is tracking rumors and updates from the WNBA trade deadline. Follow along for full updates.

MORE: 9 WNBA players most likely to be traded

WNBA trade deadline tracker 2026: Live news, updates, and rumors

Plum will travel for Mercury’s next game, not certain if she will play

• Date: August 2
• Source: Alexa Philippou

After heading to The Valley to join the Phoenix Mercury, Plum will reportedly be present at the team’s game on Monday night in Chicago. For now, it’s uncertain whether or not Phoenix’s new star will suit up for the team on the hardwood tomorrow. She last appeared for Los Angeles on June 21.

Mercury trade for star Kelsey Plum, Monique Akoa Makani + picks to LA

• Date: August 2
• Source: Shams Charania

After a few weeks of being in trade talks, former Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum is heading south to join the Phoenix Mercury. In exchange, 25-year-old guard Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-rounder are heading to the City of Angels.

Tempo acquire Aneesah Morrow from Sun

• Date: July 31
• Source: Alexa Philippou

The Sun are trading second-year forward Aneesah Morrow to the Toronto Tempo for a 2028 second-round pick and the rights to Maria Kilundikova. Morrow was the No. 7 pick in last year’s draft and is coming off back-to-back 21-point games after her return from injury.

Liberty’s Aneesah Morrow talks ‘cool off’

• Date: July 30
• Source: Madeline Kenney

The Liberty discussed trading for second-year Sun forward Aneesah Morrow, Madeline Kenney reports, but those talks have since “cooled off.” Morrow recently returned from injury and is averaging 11.6 points per game for Connecticut. 

Sparks ‘asking for the world’ in Kelsey Plum talks

• Date: July 30
• Source: Ramona Shelburne

With Kelsey Plum a pending free agent, the Sparks are “asking for the world” in trade talks, Ramona Shelburne reports. Plum, averaging close to 24 points per game, isn’t expected to re-sign with L.A., making a trade likely at the deadline.

Tempo willing to trade future first-round picks in deal

• Date: July 28
• Source: Annie Costabile

The expansion Toronto team has reportedly sent both the Sun and the Sparks offers including first-round picks for a young post player. With the Tempo in the bottom five in the WNBA standings, any deal is more likely to include the 2028 first-round pick than in 2027. 

Mercury ‘could target’ Wings F Alanna Smith

• Date: July 28
• Source: Annie Costabile

According to Costabile, the disappointing Mercury may look to take on the next 2.5 years of Smith’s deal in order to land the forward. Smith is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year who is averaging just 3.8 points per game in a down year and may need a change of scenery halfway through her first season in Dallas.

Kelsey Plum not expected to re-sign with Sparks

• Date: July 28
• Source: Annie Costabile

Plum’s status as a rental means she is expected to be on the move, especially since she doesn’t seem to want to return to Los Angeles next year. The 31-year-old is averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.4 rebounds so far this year and has made five straight All-Star games.

WNBA trades by team

Atlanta Dream

Chicago Sky

Connecticut Sun

• From TOR: 2028 second-round pick and the rights to Maria Kilundikova (2025 No. 7 pick)

Dallas Wings

Golden State Valkyries

Indiana Fever

Las Vegas Aces

Los Angeles Sparks

• From PHO: G Monique Akoa Makani, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick

Minnesota Lynx

New York Liberty

Phoenix Mercury

• From LAS: G Kelsey Plum

Portland Fire

Seattle Storm

Toronto Tempo

• From CON: F Aneesah Morrow

Washington Mystics

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