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The first major move of WNBA free agency dropped on Sunday as the Las Vegas Aces pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd. The deal involved the Seattle Storm, who received draft assets, and the LA Sparks, who landed former No. 1 pick Kelsey Plum.
In return for Loyd, the Storm received the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and center Li Yueru from the Sparks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Additionally, the Sparks acquired the No. 9 pick from Seattle, while the Aces gained the No. 13 pick from LA.
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Loyd had requested a trade following the Storm's first-round playoff exit in 2024 and an offseason marred by allegations of workplace conduct issues. She delivered one of her finest seasons last year, posting 19.7 points per game — her second-highest career average — along with 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
Kelsey Plum will reunite with Dearica Hamby in Los Angeles, joining an exciting core that includes Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.
The Storm are now poised to make a splash in the upcoming draft, with the No. 2 overall pick giving them several high-profile options. While Paige Bueckers is widely expected to go first overall, Seattle could consider Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron or Kiki Iriafen to bolster their roster.
Las Vegas Aces updated depth chart after acquiring Jewell Loyd
* - unsigned free agents
Despite trading away Kelsey Plum, the Aces secured an immediate replacement in Jewell Loyd. However, their roster still requires significant attention, as several key unrestricted free agents — including Alysha Clark and Sydney Colson — remain unsigned.
The Aces’ lineup could look very different when free agents are allowed to sign with new teams starting Feb. 1. Expect the team to address forward depth and backup guard positions as they aim to reclaim the championship in 2025.
Even with work left to do, the Aces’ star power is undeniable. Jewell Loyd, the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and the WNBA scoring champion in 2023, will team up with A'ja Wilson, who is coming off an MVP-winning 2024 season.
Wilson's 2024 campaign was historic, as she surpassed Loyd’s scoring mark to become the first player in WNBA history to score over 1,000 points in a season.
She also set the single-season rebounding record, surpassing Angel Reese, and finished the year with an incredible 1,021 points and 451 rebounds. Her 26.9 points per game set a new single-season scoring average record.
