In a stunning move to shake up the WNBA landscape, the Las Vegas Aces have traded for star guard Jewell Loyd from the Seattle Storm in a trade. Three time All Star Kelsey Plum goes to the Los Angeles Sparks. The deal marks a significant shift for both teams. This brings major interest during the off season.
Photo Cred: New York Times
Jewell Loyd, 31, has spent her 10-season with the Seattle Storm. She’s one of the league’s superstar players. A former Rookie of the Year, Loyd has shown consistent play in Seattle. She’s earned All-Star honors the last four seasons and six times overall. With dynamic scoring skills, Loyd is one of the most electrifying guards.
Her leadership and scoring will add another layer a loaded Aces team. Loyd joins the Aces after a disappointing end to the 2023 season. They were eliminated in the semifinals by the eventual champions New York Liberty. The Aces won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. Loyd joins MVP candidates A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray. Loyd’s arrival strengthens the Aces dominant offensive lineup. Loyd averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season.
The other big part of the trade Kelsey Plum was an important part of the Aces success. Plum helped lead the Aces to their back-to-back titles is one of the most versatile players in the WNBA. Her scoring and playmaking ability, along with her leadership on both ends of the court, will be a huge addition to the Sparks’ roster. The move also gives Plum a fresh start with a new franchise, where she will play alongside other talented players looking to contend for a championship in the coming years.
For the Sparks, acquiring Plum represents a bold move as they continue to reshape their roster with championship aspirations in mind. While they are still building their team, Plum’s experience and skill set make her an ideal cornerstone for Los Angeles’ future. The trade also involves multiple other players and assets, but the key pieces—Loyd and Plum—are expected to make an immediate impact on their new teams. She averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds last season.
Photo Cred: Just Women’s Sports
With this deal, the WNBA offseason has become even more exciting as teams continue to build for the 2024 season. The Aces, now even more stacked with talent, will be the team to beat once again, while the Sparks look to build around Plum and push for a deep playoff run. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Aces, the Sparks, and the Storm as they adjust to their new rosters and chase championship glory.
With Loyd joining the Aces and Plum heading to the Sparks, the WNBA has never been more exciting. To finish the trade, the Storm are acquiring the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and forward Li Yueru from the Sparks, as well as Las Vegas’ 2026 first-round pick. Los Angeles receives the 2025 No. 9 pick and a 2026 second-round pick from Seattle. The Aces will get the 2025 No. 13 overall pick from the Sparks.
