In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves throughout the WNBA, a blockbuster multi-team trade has been finalized, sending six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd from the Seattle Storm to the Las Vegas Aces, while three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum departs the Aces for the Los Angeles Sparks.
The high-stakes transaction, first reported by ESPN’s team of Shams Charania, Ramona Shelburne, Alexa Philippou, and Kendra Andrews, also involves a swap of draft picks. The Storm acquire the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and center Li Yueru from the Sparks, while the Aces receive the No. 13 pick from Los Angeles. Seattle also sends the No. 9 pick to the Sparks to complete the deal.
Implications for the Teams Involved
This landscape-altering trade carries significant implications for all three franchises involved:
Las Vegas Aces: Loading Up for Another Title Run
By acquiring Jewell Loyd, the reigning WNBA champion Aces add another superstar to their already stacked roster. Loyd, known for her elite scoring ability and clutch performances, instantly makes Las Vegas the odds-on favorite to repeat in 2025. Her addition alongside MVP A’ja Wilson and two-time Finals MVP Chelsea Gray forms a virtually unstoppable trio.
“Jewell is a generational talent who brings a championship pedigree to our organization. Her presence elevates us to another level as we aim to build a dynasty in Las Vegas.” – Aces General Manager Natalie Williams
Los Angeles Sparks: Reshaping the Backcourt
The arrival of Kelsey Plum gives the Sparks an electrifying playmaker to pair with incumbent stars Nneka Ogwumike and Chiney Ogwumike. Plum’s ability to create off the dribble and stretch defenses with her outside shooting should open up the floor for the Ogwumike sisters to operate inside. With Plum running the show, Los Angeles positions itself as a serious contender in the loaded Western Conference.
Seattle Storm: Embracing a New Era
For the Storm, parting ways with a franchise icon like Jewell Loyd signals a commitment to rebuilding around young talent. Acquiring the No. 2 pick in a loaded 2025 draft class gives Seattle the opportunity to select a potential cornerstone player to build around. The addition of Li Yueru, a skilled 6-foot-7 center, provides much-needed size and interior presence to complement the perimeter-oriented Storm.
“While it’s never easy to say goodbye to a player of Jewell’s caliber, this trade positions us for sustained success. We’re excited about the possibilities that the No. 2 pick and Li Yueru bring as we shape our roster for the future.” – Storm Head Coach Noelle Quinn
Ripple Effects Across the League
Beyond the teams directly involved, this trade is poised to shake up the entire WNBA landscape:
- Shifts in the Balance of Power: With Loyd joining forces with the Aces and Plum heading to the Sparks, the already competitive Western Conference becomes even more formidable. Teams like the Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, and defending champion Aces must now contend with a revamped Sparks squad, while the Storm begins a new chapter.
- Increased Parity and Unpredictability: The redistribution of All-Star talent across multiple teams levels the playing field and sets the stage for a wide-open title race in 2025. Any team could potentially emerge as a championship contender, making for an incredibly exciting and unpredictable season.
- Domino Effect on Free Agency and Future Moves: This blockbuster trade could trigger a flurry of activity as teams scramble to keep pace with the Aces and Sparks. Expect to see more aggressive pursuits of free agents and potential trades as franchises look to bolster their rosters in response to this seismic shift.
As the dust settles on this momentous trade, one thing is clear: the WNBA will never be the same. With superstars switching teams and the balance of power hanging in the balance, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable in league history. Buckle up, basketball fans—the ride is just beginning.
