'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The WNBA offseason has its first big trade with former No. 1 pick Kelsey Plum joining Cameron Brink and the LA Sparks in a three-team trade. The Las Vegas Aces are getting star guard Jewell Loyd, while the Seattle Storm are likely heading into a rebuild.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Sparks, Aces and Storm pulled off a blockbuster three-team deal. The Aces cored Plum ahead of free agency, making her eligible to get traded. The Storm were pursuing a Loyd deal after she requested a trade, while the Sparks were armed with a high pick in this year's draft.
Trending
Here is the breakdown of the trade:
LA Sparks receive: Kelsey Plum and the No. 9 pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
Las Vegas Aces receive: Jewell Loyd and the No. 13 pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
Seattle Storm receive: Li Yueru and the No. 2 pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd needed a fresh start
The Las Vegas Aces tried to win their third straight WNBA championship, but came up short in the semifinals against the New York Liberty. Kelsey Plum was barely a factor in a down campaign for the No. 1 pick.
Plum was supposed to play in Unrivaled, but backed out to focus on herself after a personal situation. She underwent a divorce and took the offseason to process what happened in her life. A trade out of Las Vegas might have been the best for her, with Los Angeles serving as her fresh start.
On the other hand, Jewell Loyd requested a trade out of Seattle following the team's investigation into accusations of bullying and harassment against the coaching staff. The Storm didn't find any fault, but it wasn't enough for Loyd, who wanted out.
Loyd fills in perfectly in Las Vegas as they try to reload this offseason and pursue another title. Seattle gets a fresh start with the No. 2 pick in this year's draft.
LA Sparks improves roster around Cameron Brink
The LA Sparks had the worst record in the WNBA last season at 8-32, but the lottery was not in their favor. The Sparks only received the No. 2 pick in this year's draft, which meant that they were missing out on Paige Bueckers.
Instead of continuing a slow rebuild, the Sparks front office went for it by trading the second pick to receive Kelsey Plum. They also got the No. 9 pick, which makes it a good deal. Plum will team up with Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby.
With former longtime Utah coach Lynne Roberts and her innovative offense at the helm, the Sparks could make some noise if they add more pieces in free agency.
