The WNBA world was rocked on Sunday night by reports of a seismic three-team trade involving some of the league’s biggest stars. According to sources, the Las Vegas Aces are sending two-time champion Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks, while acquiring six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd from the Seattle Storm.
Stars On The Move
This blockbuster deal significantly shakes up the WNBA landscape just weeks before the start of free agency. The key pieces:
- Kelsey Plum, the Aces’ franchise player and a vital part of their back-to-back titles, is headed to the Sparks
- Jewell Loyd, a scoring champion and two-time WNBA champ with the Storm, will join the loaded Aces roster
The Sparks are also sending the #2 pick in the 2025 draft and center Li Yueru to the Storm. In return, they receive the #9 and #13 picks in 2025 plus a 2026 second-rounder from Seattle.
Aces Reload For Three-Peat
For the defending champion Aces, swapping Plum for Loyd keeps their core four of A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and now Loyd intact. Loyd’s elite scoring ability should fit seamlessly alongside the Aces’ bevy of offensive weapons as they chase a third straight title.
Jewell Loyd is one of the greatest scorers in the league and a tremendously versatile offensive weapon. She’ll thrive in the Aces’ high-powered system.
– WNBA analyst Stefanie Dolson
The Aces still have room to make more moves in free agency if they choose. But as currently constructed, this team remains a juggernaut and the odds-on title favorite.
Plum Homecoming Powers Sparks
For Plum, the trade represents a homecoming to Southern California, where she grew up in Poway. Pairing the high-scoring Plum with rising stars like Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink gives the Sparks one of the most exciting young cores in the WNBA.
Plum, who has spent her entire six-year career with the Aces franchise, seems energized by the move:
I’m so excited for the opportunity to play at home in front of my family and friends. We have a chance to build something really special in LA.
– Kelsey Plum on joining the Sparks
The Sparks are banking on Plum’s veteran leadership and championship pedigree to expedite the development of their talented youngsters. If Plum and former Aces teammate Dearica Hamby can recapture their old magic, the Sparks could be a darkhorse contender.
Storm Receive Draft Capital
Meanwhile, the Storm made the difficult decision to move on from franchise icon Jewell Loyd after eight seasons. In return, they picked up the #2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, a future first from the Aces, and young center Li Yueru.
The additional picks, including a potential top-3 selection, help jumpstart a rebuild around Breanna Stewart. But there’s no guarantee the picks pan out as well as a proven star like Loyd.
Free Agency Frenzy Awaits
With the new Collective Bargaining Agreement kicking in, WNBA free agency is expected to be a feeding frenzy this offseason. The Plum/Loyd deal is likely just the first domino to fall in what could be a transformative winter for the league.
All eyes now turn to the February 1st start of the signing period. If this pre-free agency blockbuster is any indication, buckle up for a wild WNBA offseason full of massive moves and league-altering transactions.
