Brace yourself, fantasy basketball managers, because the WNBA landscape just shifted in a major way. A blockbuster trade sent shockwaves through the league on Sunday, with six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd heading to the Las Vegas Aces and three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum joining the Los Angeles Sparks. It’s a bittersweet moment for both superstars, but from a fantasy perspective, the outlook is undeniably positive.
Plum Ready to Blossom in LA
For Kelsey Plum, this trade represents a golden opportunity. The sharpshooting guard was instrumental in the Aces’ back-to-back titles, earning All-Star nods in each of the past three seasons. Despite a slow start in 2024, Plum still put up an impressive 17.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
Now, Plum takes her talents to a Sparks squad in the midst of a rebuild. She’ll be the undisputed No. 1 option, surrounded by promising young forwards like Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. The Sparks may have struggled mightily last season, but Plum’s arrival signals a dramatic shift in direction.
Plum projects as a top-15 fantasy player heading into 2025. Expect her usage and scoring numbers to soar as the Sparks lean heavily on her veteran leadership and dynamic offensive skill set.
– Eric Moody, ESPN Fantasy Basketball Analyst
With Plum running the show, the Sparks’ spacing and efficiency should see a major boost. Her ability to create her own shot and set up teammates is exactly what this offense needs to unlock its full potential. Fantasy managers who invest an early-round pick in Plum will be handsomely rewarded.
Loyd Levels Up with Aces
On the other side of this deal, Jewell Loyd finds herself on a Las Vegas Aces squad loaded with star power. The electric scoring guard is coming off a season in which she averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, and attempted the fourth-most shots league-wide.
While Loyd likely won’t have the same ball-dominant role alongside A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, a change of scenery could do wonders for her efficiency. Loyd converted at a career-low 36% clip in 2024, a mark she’s poised to improve dramatically in the Aces’ well-oiled offensive machine.
- Loyd’s quantified shot quality ranked dead last among high-volume shooters in 2024
- Aces’ offensive rating has led the WNBA four straight seasons
Jewell Loyd on joining the Aces: "I'm excited to play in such an unselfish, free-flowing system. I've always admired how they empower their stars to make plays for each other. Can't wait to be a part of it."
— WNBA Insider (@WNBAInsider) January 27, 2025
Make no mistake, Loyd is still an elite fantasy option in Las Vegas. She thrived alongside Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird in Seattle, and her two-way versatility makes her an ideal fit on a title contender. Loyd should be a rock-solid top-25 player with room to outperform that draft slot if her shot-making returns to form.
Ripple Effects and Rookie Watch
Of course, Plum and Loyd aren’t the only players impacted by this mega-deal. The Aces now have a glaring hole at point guard, which could open the door for rookie sensation Haley Jones to take on an even larger playmaking role. Meanwhile, the Sparks’ frontcourt logjam could be eased by sliding Brink to the three, making her an intriguing sleeper candidate.
As the dust settles on this landscape-altering trade, one thing is clear: the WNBA’s balance of power hangs in the balance, and the fantasy implications are immense. Savvy managers will want to monitor this situation closely and pounce on the value created by these seismic shifts. In Plum and Loyd, we’re witnessing two superstars entering the next chapter of their careers, with sky-high statistical upside in tow. Don’t sleep on their potential to swing fantasy leagues in 2025 and beyond.
