When the Los Angeles Sparks offered Kelsey Plum a $1.4 million contract, the veteran guard instead signed for $999,999 to give the franchise more salary-cap flexibility. Now, just a few months later, with the WNBA trade deadline fast approaching and uncertainty surrounding her future in Los Angeles, that decision has taken on a whole new significance. And according to WNBA journalist Sabreena Merchant, it could also give Plum an advantage.

“I think Kelsey’s deal is a little bit easier to move than Napheesa Collier’s because she’s making about $400,000 less than Napheesa Collier is. Which is a big chunk of money when you’re trying to make a mid-season deal,” Merchant said on the July 31 episode of No Offseason.

“So yeah, I think there are ways for this to happen, and like we said, just because of the standing of the Sparks versus the standing of the Lynx, it’s okay if you lose somebody for nothing when you’re in the finals, and you have to keep that player to try to win the finals. It is not okay to lose somebody for nothing when you are in the 11th seed and have nothing to show for the entire season.”

The WNBA trade deadline is turning into a scramble, with front offices working the phones as Sunday’s deadline approaches, according to multiple reports. Kelsey Plum’s name is at the top of the list of expiring contracts. Sources say the 31-year-old doesn’t plan to re-sign with LA, which puts the 11th-place Sparks in real danger of losing their best player.

Now, a $400k difference may not sound like much on paper, but it can be a major factor at the trade deadline. Teams have to remain salary-cap compliant when making trades, which means matching salaries is often one of the biggest hurdles in completing a deal. So with Kelsey Plum earning less than the likes of Napheesa Collier, contenders have far more flexibility to build a package around her without having to move as many contracts.

That’s one reason the Golden State Valkyries continue to surface as a logical landing spot for her. The Valkyries still lack a reliable half-court scorer despite boasting one of the league’s best defenses. And Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, would immediately address that need while also reuniting with head coach Natalie Nakase, who previously served as an assistant during Plum’s championship runs in Las Vegas.

But even if her contract is easier to move, that doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is imminent. Acquiring Kelsey Plum would likely require Golden State to part with key contributors to match her salary. And that is a price the Valkyries may not be eager to pay given their own championship aspirations.

As for Plum herself, the 31-year-old guard is all set to make her return to court on Sunday against the Portland Fire after she missed time due to an injury. So she isn’t letting all the speculation distract her.

“The thing about professional sports is like it’s business,” Plum said. “At the end of the day, people have to do what’s best for them. I respect that. And I’m not taking anything personal. For me, I’m gonna be where my feet are. I play for the Sparks, so on Sunday, I’m going to suit up, and I’m going to give them whatever minute restriction, coming off the bench. I’m actually really excited about it.”

With the trade deadline now just a few hours away, Kelsey Plum’s future remains one of the biggest storylines to watch.