In a major shake-up for the WNBA, Kelsey Plum is gearing up to join the Los Angeles Sparks while Jewell Loyd takes her talents to the Las Vegas Aces, courtesy of a three-way trade also involving the Seattle Storm. The Associated Press reports that the Sparks have shipped off the No. 2 pick in the draft and Li Yueru to Seattle, snagging the No. 9 pick in return. The Aces, on the other hand will welcome the No. 13 pick from the Sparks to round out the deal.
Plum, a central figure in the Aces' consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023, marked her remarkable run with an average of 17.8 points and 4.2 assists last season. Meanwhile, after expressing desires to exit Seattle, Loyd -- a decorated player with two championship titles and a fresh 2023 scoring title under her belt, will join the Aces' star-studded lineup. According to USA TODAY Sports Loyd's move came in the wake of an investigation surrounding the Storm and allegations of player mistreatment. Despite the inquiry concluding with no evidence of policy violations, the trade nonetheless brings Loyd to the Aces' squad following her impressive average of 19.7 points in her last season with the Storm.
The trade positions Plum closer to her Southern Californian roots and integrates her into a promising Sparks lineup featuring Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink, not to mention, a reunion with her former Aces teammate Dearica Hamby. On the flip side, Loyd, a gold medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, will bring her formidable skill set to an Aces team that is undoubtedly aiming to reclaim their championship prowess after a last season's semifinal bow out, as reported by TA Assoiated ress.
As free agency continues to stir, the Aces, with the addition of Loyd and maintaining talents like Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and MVP A'ja Wilson, are likely not done beefing up their roster. The Sparks, for their part, are looking towards Plum to provide a mix of veteran savvy and proven skill as they build around their youthful core. As for Seattle, acquiring the draft's No. 2 pick and Yueru, who averaged a solid 5.1 points coming off the bench last year, offers them fresh potential for a roster refit, as per US TODAY Assosiated press.
