WNBA Free Agency Stalled by Three-team Trade Logjam
A proposed three-team trade involving Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, and assets remains the linchpin of the WNBA free agency period. Sources indicate that until this trade is finalized, other player movements are unlikely.
The trade would send Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces, Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks, and undisclosed assets to the seattle Storm. Though, identifying the right package for Seattle is delaying the completion of the deal.
Loyd’s trade request in December triggered the free agency domino effect, forcing Seattle to reconsider its roster construction. Early talks with the Chicago Sky involving the No. 3 overall pick have reportedly fallen through as Loyd prefers to play in Las Vegas.
While Plum hasn’t publicly requested a trade, league consensus suggests she is open to a move after being cored by Las Vegas. A straightforward swap between Seattle and Las Vegas for Loyd and Plum seems logical, but concerns about fit arise, as both guards have similar playing styles.
Seattle is likely seeking a shooting guard or small forward to add diversity to its backcourt. the sparks offer Plum an opportunity to be part of a rebuilding effort alongside young talents like Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, and former teammate Dearica Hamby. However, the deal may be contingent on the Sparks’ willingness to part with key assets like their 2024 rookies or the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
This logjam impacts salary cap management for both the storm and Aces, preventing them from making other free agent signings. loyd’s supermax extension ties up notable cap space for seattle, while both teams are operating with an estimated cap until the trade is finalized.
This uncertainty also affects free agentsconsidering offers from various teams. Prominent names like brittney Griner, alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally are exploring their options, but their decisions may hinge on the outcome of this massive trade.
One thing is clear: until the Loyd-Plum trade is resolved, WNBA free agency will remain on hold.
How is the trade logjam impacting WNBA free agency and player decisions?
WNBA Free Agency Stalled by Three-team Trade logjam
A proposed three-team trade involving Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, and assets remains the linchpin of the WNBA free agency period. Sources indicate that until this trade is finalized, other player movements are unlikely.
The trade would send Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces, Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks, and undisclosed assets to the seattle Storm.Though, identifying the right package for Seattle is delaying the completion of the deal.
Loyd’s trade request in December triggered the free agency domino effect, forcing Seattle to reconsider its roster construction. Early talks with the Chicago Sky involving the No. 3 overall pick have reportedly fallen through as Loyd prefers to play in Las Vegas.
While Plum hasn’t publicly requested a trade, league consensus suggests she is open to a move after being cored by Las Vegas. A straightforward swap between Seattle and Las Vegas for Loyd and Plum seems logical, but concerns about fit arise, as both guards have similar playing styles.
Seattle is likely seeking a shooting guard or small forward to add diversity to its backcourt. the sparks offer Plum an opportunity to be part of a rebuilding effort alongside young talents like Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, and former teammate Dearica Hamby. However, the deal may be contingent on the Sparks’ willingness to part with key assets like their 2024 rookies or the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
This logjam impacts salary cap management for both the storm and Aces, preventing them from making other free agent signings. loyd’s supermax extension ties up notable cap space for seattle, while both teams are operating with an estimated cap until the trade is finalized.
This uncertainty also affects free agentsconsidering offers from various teams. Prominent names like brittney Griner, alyssa Thomas, and satou Sabally are exploring their options, but their decisions may hinge on the outcome of this massive trade.
One thing is clear: until the Loyd-Plum trade is resolved,WNBA free agency will remain on hold.
WNBA Free Agency Trade Logjam: Your Questions Answered
Q: Why is the WNBA free agency period stalled?
A: A proposed three-team trade involving Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, and assets is holding up the whole process. until it’s finalized, other teams are hesitant to make moves.
Q: What are the sticking points in the trade?
A: While the basic framework of the trade—Loyd to the Aces,Plum to the Sparks,and assets to the Storm—is in place,Seattle is trying to secure the right package in return for Loyd.
Q: Who else is affected by this trade logjam?
A: Big-name free agents like Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally are waiting to see how things shake out before making decisions. The Aces and Storm are also limited in their ability to sign other players due to salary cap constraints.
This trade has the potential to reshape the WNBA landscape. Stay tuned!