The first major dominoes of WNBA free agency fell with a blockbuster trade.
How did we get here? Let’s go back to the WNBA playoffs.
In October 2024, Becky Hammon told the media, “You gotta make the moves necessary … It’s not [going] to be the same group probably next year” after the Aces quest for a third consecutive championship fell short. That meant that someone would be on the outside looking in, and now we know it’s veteran guard Kelsey Plum.
But Plum’s move wasn’t the only splash. WNBA champion Jewell Loyd, who requested a trade at the end of last year, is also on the move, taking Plum’s roster spot in Las Vegas as part of a three-team trade.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFT8V5Yt5Kk/?igsh=N29qanQ0bHY1Mzlx
Trade details:
The Sparks get: Guard Kelsey Plum, the No. 9 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Seattle’s 2026 second-round pick
The Aces get: Guard Jewell Loyd and the No. 13 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft
The Storm get: Center Li Yueru, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and Las Vegas’ 2026 first-round pick
Los Angeles Sparks
When news of Kelsey Plum’s possible trade to Los Angeles broke days ago (credit to Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times and independent journalist Roberta Rodrigues), I’ll admit I was skeptical.
After playing musical point guards last season and Layshia Clarendon’s retirement, it was evident that the Sparks needed a starting guard YESTERDAY. But Kelsey Plum? I didn’t see it. Sure, Plum’s a Cali native and playing the point is something she *can do*, but it isn’t her at her best.
Plum can dish if needed, but she’s much better at shooting guard. Kelsey is a walking bucket, particularly from 3-point range and getting downhill to the basket when called upon. That was really evident when her former teammate Chelsea Gray returned from injury. Plum got an instant boost amid some team-wide shooting woes.
So, what would make a two-time WNBA champion join the Sparks?
Well, L.A. is in win-now mode, as evidenced by its recent hire of head coach Lynne Roberts. It also has one of the most promising young cores in the league, including top-draft picks Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson.
And oh, yeah. Kelsey’s on-court bestie and former Aces teammate, Dearica Hamby, is the team’s anchor. Hamby is an experienced vet who was in the mix for Most Improved Player in 2024, and that’s likely a considerable draw.
From the Sparks’ perspective, trading for Plum is a safer move than rolling the dice on a top WNBA draft pick. You’re set at the starting guard position if she stays longer than a year. But take this mental sticky note. Free agent Courtney Vandersloot is one name to watch, as landing her could boost the Sparks’ depth at guard. Sloot has championship experience, can run an offense and can give Los Angeles points if needed.
Trade grade: B+
Las Vegas Aces
If you’re the Aces, how do you rectify losing Kelsey Plum and getting value in return? How do you cure that kind of lingering breakup hangover?
With a Jewell Loyd.
Yes, really. You get A’ja Wilson on the phone with Loyd and tell them they must recreate their infamous meme from the 2024 NBA All-Star game.
Okay, I’m kidding. But, seriously, I highly doubt it took much convincing to get Jewell to the desert to play with *checks notes* A’ja, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and coach Becky Hammon while having access to top-tier player resources.
Did I mention that Jewell won a gold medal in Paris with A’ja, Chelsea and Jackie as teammates? C’mon now. This is peak Aces behavior. This is what they do. Snag ridiculous talent and make everyone question how they continue pulling off this sorcery. And *technically* they did it this time without a general manager. MADNESS.
So, what do the Aces get by landing Loyd?
Well, Jewell’s an instant upgrade in size and scoring. At 5-foot-11, she’s got three more inches on Kelsey Plum, and she’s a scoring machine. She won the scoring title in 2023, and in a down year last year, she still managed to average 19.7 points and 4.5 rebounds. Jewell also has championship experience, and that matters a lot for a team trying to return to the Promised Land.
The downside is that landing Loyd didn’t come cheap. Las Vegas lost a 2026 first-round pick, and her $249,032 cap hit will make it more challenging for the Aces to continue tweaking the roster as free agency rolls on.
Trade grade: B
Seattle Storm
The biggest winner of such a monumental trade is Seattle. It’s not easy to fulfill one of your biggest star’s trade request and get something back in return. Seattle managed to do both, and that’s a massive win.
After Jewell Loyd’s departure, they swerved and bent the corner into the No. 2 pick. This opens up so many possibilities, including drafting Jewell’s replacement (Olivia Miles, perhaps?) or trading the pick away for more draft capital to make a move for a veteran guard. They also got a 2026 first-round pick and a formidable big in Li Yueru to help out Ezi Magbegor and solidify their post presence.
But here’s where things get tricky for Seattle.
What will the Storm do if Nneka Ogwumike doesn’t come back?
While it’s widely assumed she will return to Seattle for a chance to play with Skylar Diggins-Smith, it’s not a given. If Nneka leaves, Seattle’s big three would have effectively gotten one season together, and that’s just nasty work. (Obviously, dynamics changed, but Skylar’s reasoning for leaving Phoenix—wanting to play with Jewell and Nneka—quickly becomes much more awkward.)
Also, replacing your 2024 leading scorer won’t be easy. You must find someone who can replace the production and won’t hurt the bank because you might have pigeon-holed yourself by giving Gabby Williams the core tag. It could still work, but Seattle might have to get crafty.
Trade grade: A
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