This blockbuster three-team trade involving Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd, and multiple draft picks is set to drastically impact the WNBA landscape. Plum’s move to the Los Angeles Sparks will team her up with young stars Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. This would potentially make the Sparks a more competitive team in the 2025 season.
On the other hand, the Las Vegas Aces will acquire Jewell Loyd, a six-time All-Star, to join forces with WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson. This move is expected to bolster the Aces’ chances of bouncing back from their disappointing semifinals loss last season.
The Seattle Storm, meanwhile, will receive the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, allowing them to reset and potentially land an impact player. Top prospects like Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen are expected to be in the mix for that pick.
Las Vegas Aces: Receive six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd from the Seattle Storm, along with the No. 13 overall pick from the Sparks.
Los Angeles Sparks: Acquire three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum from the Aces, along with the No. 9 overall pick from the Seattle Storm.
Seattle Storm: Get the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft from the Sparks, plus Li Yueru from the Sparks.
This trade has significant implications for all three teams. The Aces bolster their lineup with Loyd, who averaged 19.7 points and 3.6 assists per game last season. The Sparks, meanwhile, gain a talented point guard in Plum, who averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game last season. The Storm, on the other hand, get a high draft pick and a chance to rebuild their team.
The trade will not be official until the first official day of free agency on February first. Teams are able to negotiate with players during a period that began on January 21. Here are some of the top available free agents in the WNBA.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Diana Taurasi (Guard, Phoenix Mercury) – a 10-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion.
Natasha Howard (Forward, Dallas Wings) – a two-time WNBA champion and two-time All-Star.
Elena Delle Donne (Forward, Washington Mystics) – a two-time WNBA MVP and seven-time All-Star.
Nneka Ogwumike (Forward, Seattle Storm) – a six-time All-Star and WNBA champion.
Brittney Griner (Center, Phoenix Mercury) – a seven-time All-Star and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Restricted Free Agents
Chennedy Carter (Guard, Chicago Sky) – a talented young guard who averaged 14.2 points per game last season.
Awak Kuier (Center, Dallas Wings) – a dominant center who averaged 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season.
Kelsey Mitchell is a free agent who is expected to resign with the Indiana Fever. Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the last two number-one picks in the draft, have the Fever ready to make a move up the standings. With Mitchell on board, the Fever have a very talented big three and with new coach Stephanie White have high expectations.
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