Change is hard, especially when it involves fan favourites. That’s exactly what Las Vegas Aces fans are grappling with after Kelsey Plum, one of the team’s biggest stars, was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks. In exchange, the Aces scored another All-Star, Jewell Loyd, in a three-way deal involving the Seattle Storm. But what does this mean for the Aces, their fans, and the league as a whole? Let’s break it down.
Image source: https://lasvegassun.com/staff/steve-marcus/ & https://lasvegassun.com//news/2025/jan/26/las-vegas-aces-trade-kelsey-plum-to-la-add-perenni/
The trade: What happened?
Here’s the gist of the blockbuster trade:
- The Aces get Jewell Loyd, a six-time WNBA All-Star and one of the league’s most consistent scorers, from the Seattle Storm.
- The Storm receive the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and Li Yueru, a young center, from the Sparks.
- The Sparks land Kelsey Plum, one of the WNBA’s top players and a cornerstone of the Aces’ championship-winning roster.
It’s not every day that players like Plum or Loyd get moved, so this one has certainly shaken things up.
Why did the Aces trade Kelsey Plum?
If you’ve followed the Aces over the last few years, you know Kelsey Plum has been that player. Drafted first overall in 2017 by the San Antonio Stars (the franchise that relocated to Las Vegas a year later), she’s been with the team through thick and thin. Plum’s been a six-time WNBA All-Star, the league’s Sixth Player of the Year in 2021, and a key part of the Aces’ back-to-back championship runs in 2022 and 2023.
But, here’s the thing—Plum was the only core player on the Aces’ roster who hadn’t signed a contract extension. A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young—all part of the Aces’ championship-winning core—had already secured long-term deals. The team even gave Plum “core designation” earlier this month, which basically meant they could control her negotiation rights and offer her a super-max contract worth $249,244 per year.
Sounds like a done deal, right? Well, not exactly.
Plum’s ability to veto trades, along with her free agency status looming, may have put the Aces in a tricky position. Rather than risking losing her for nothing down the line, they made the bold decision to trade her now—and bring in another All-Star in return.
Who is Jewell Loyd, and what does she bring to the Aces?
If you’re not familiar with Jewell Loyd, here’s a quick intro: she’s a certified scorer. Last season, she averaged 19.7 points per game and started all 37 games for the Seattle Storm. She’s a six-time WNBA All-Star, and if you watched the 2024 Olympics in Paris, you might’ve seen her playing alongside Aces stars A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young.
Loyd is a proven leader who can handle pressure, and her scoring ability will be a huge asset for the Aces as they chase their third championship in four years.
What did the Aces lose in Plum?
Let’s be real—losing Plum stings. She wasn’t just a star on the court; she was the heart of the team. Last season, she averaged 17.8 points while logging a career-high 34 minutes per game. And her accolades speak for themselves: two championships, multiple All-Star selections, and a reputation as one of the most versatile guards in the league.
But beyond the stats, Plum brought an energy and personality that Aces fans absolutely loved. From her clutch performances to her fiery leadership, she was a big reason why the Aces were so dominant.
What’s next for the Aces?
This offseason has been full of shake-ups for the Aces. Losing Plum is the second big blow after Kate Martin was picked by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA expansion draft last December. And with three key free agents—Alysha Clark, Tiffany Hayes, and Sydney Colson—still unsigned, the Aces will need to move quickly to solidify their roster.
On the flip side, the addition of Loyd keeps the Aces in championship contention. Pairing her with A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young gives the team a new dynamic—and, potentially, the edge they’ll need in a competitive league.
What does this mean for the league?
Trades like this don’t just affect the teams involved—they shake up the entire league. The Sparks, for example, just added a game-changer in Plum. After struggling in recent seasons, this move could help them return to contention. The Storm, meanwhile, are clearly looking to the future with their newly acquired draft pick and young talent.
And for the Aces? They’re sending a clear message: they’re willing to make bold moves to keep their championship window wide open.
Final thoughts
It’s tough to say goodbye to a player like Kelsey Plum, especially when she’s been such a huge part of the Aces’ success. But this trade isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about looking ahead. With Jewell Loyd in the mix, the Aces have a new weapon to help them chase more titles.
Only time will tell how this trade plays out, but one thing’s for sure: the 2025 WNBA season just got a whole lot more interesting. What do you think—did the Aces make the right call? Let us know in the comments!
