The WNBA trade deadlines looms as rivals take the hardwood

The GIST: A tunnel ’fit that speaks for itself, eyebrow-raising rumors ahead of Sunday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, one of the best rivalries in basketball on deck — no one does it quite like the WNBA.

🔄 Trade deadline looms: Before we discuss the rumors, it’s worth noting that the WNBA trade deadline is typically quiet. Unlike the NBA’s soft salary cap, the W has a hard cap, meaning there’s no wiggle room…not even a penny’s worth. That makes deals difficult to maneuver. All that said, here’s one superstar who could be on the trading block:

• ✨ Kelsey Plum. Yes, way. The LA Sparks guard reportedly won’t re-sign in LA after her contract expires at season’s end. With the 10-16 Sparks outside the playoff picture, they could deal the five-time All-Star to ensure they don’t end up empty-handed if she leaves.

🍿 Las Vegas Aces and NY Liberty rematch tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET: Multi-time MVPs A’ja Wilson of the Aces and Breanna Stewart of the Liberty battling is must-watch TV…even if it’s past your bedtime. This is a rematch of June’s Commissioner’s Cup championship, a game NY won by eight. Inconsistency’s plagued both teams this season, but beating a rival is always good for morale.

• Wilson and Stewart have defined this era of women’s hoops, taking their teams (and the sport) to new heights, be it three championships in four years or ending a decades-long title drought. How lucky are we to witness it in real time?