Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up WNBA
In a historic move,the Las Vegas aces,Seattle Storm,and Los Angeles Sparks have agreed to a three-team trade,reshaping the landscape of the WNBA.
The centerpiece of the deal is Jewell Loyd, the Seattle Storm guard, who is heading to the Las Vegas Aces. In exchange, the Aces are sending Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks. This marks the first trade in WNBA history to involve multiple No. 1 overall draft picks.
The Seattle Storm will recieve valuable assets in the deal,including the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, forward Li Yueru from the Sparks, and Las Vegas’ 2026 first-round pick.
Los Angeles received the No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft and a 2026 second-round pick from Seattle. In addition to Plum, the Aces will acquire the no. 13 pick in the 2025 draft from the Sparks.
Details of the Trade
- To aces: Jewell Loyd, No. 13 pick in the 2025 draft (from LA)
- To Sparks: Kelsey Plum, No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft (from Sea), 2026 second-round pick (from Sea)
- To Storm: no.2 pick in the 2025 draft (from LA), Li Yueru, Aces’ 2026 first-round pick.
WNBA Stars Plum and Loyd On the Move
In a blockbuster shakeup for the women’s basketball landscape, WNBA stars Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd have been traded.Plum, a former champion with the Las Vegas Aces, heads to the Los AngelesSparks in a sign-and-trade deal, while Loyd, after a tumultuous offseason with the Seattle Storm, finds a new home with the New York Liberty.
Both players were cornerstone talents for thier previous franchises. Plum, the No. 1 overall pick in 2017 by san Antonio, played a crucial role in the Aces’ 2022 championship run alongside A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray.
Loyd, drafted No. 1 overall by Seattle in 2015, anchored the team’s offensive attack, becoming a perennial All-Star and earning two WNBA championships. Both players have also been prominent figures on the international stage, helping Team USA secure Olympic gold medals.
The trades mark a period of significant transition in the WNBA, with many key players set to become free agents after the 2026 season. The league expects to usher in a new collective bargaining agreement then, potentially with proportionally higher salaries.
WNBA Free Agency Frenzy: Sparks Trade no. 2 Pick for Star Guard Chelsea Plum
In a blockbuster move, the Los Angeles Sparks have acquired star guard chelsea Plum from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the No.2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. This trade signals the Sparks’ commitment to contending immediately, bolstering their roster with an All-star caliber player.Plum joins a talented Sparks core that includes Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, and Azura stevens. With Plum’s playmaking and scoring prowess, the Sparks, one of the league’s moast storied franchises, are poised for a return to the playoffs after missing out in 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces, fresh off a disappointing Finals loss, made a significant move themselves, signing veteran guard Jewell Loyd. Loyd, a six-time All-Star and the 2023 WNBA scoring leader, adds another potent offensive weapon to a roster already featuring MVP A’ja Wilson, All-Star Kelsey Plum, and Finals MVP Chelsea Gray.The Seattle Storm, following a first-round playoff exit, moved up in the draft order and now hold the second overall pick. They are rumored to be interested in top prospects Olivia Miles of Notre Dame or Kiki Iriafen of USC. The Storm also have key players like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Gabby Williams, and are hoping to re-sign veteran Nneka Ogwumike.
The Sparks’ decision to trade the No. 2 pick highlights their belief in Plum’s ability to elevate the team. sources say the Sparks were uncertain about who would be available at that spot and are hoping to sign Plum to a multi-year deal, making the trade more palatable. While top prospects like Olivia Miles and paige Bueckers are considered highly desirable, both retain college eligibility and have not publicly confirmed their intentions to enter the draft.
Only time will tell.Who are teh key players involved in the WNBA blockbuster trade?
Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up WNBA
In a historic move,the Las Vegas aces,Seattle Storm,and Los Angeles Sparks have agreed to a three-team trade,reshaping the landscape of the WNBA.
The centerpiece of the deal is Jewell Loyd,the seattle Storm guard,who is heading to the Las Vegas Aces. In exchange, the aces are sending Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks.This marks the first trade in WNBA history to involve multiple No. 1 overall draft picks.
The Seattle Storm will recieve valuable assets in the deal,including the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, forward Li Yueru from the Sparks, and Las Vegas’ 2026 first-round pick.
Los Angeles received the No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft and a 2026 second-round pick from Seattle. In addition to Plum, the aces will acquire the no. 13 pick in the 2025 draft from the Sparks.
Details of the Trade
- To aces: Jewell Loyd, No. 13 pick in the 2025 draft (from LA)
- To Sparks: Kelsey Plum, No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft (from Sea), 2026 second-round pick (from Sea)
- To Storm: no.2 pick in the 2025 draft (from LA), Li Yueru, Aces’ 2026 first-round pick.
WNBA Stars Plum and loyd On the Move
In a blockbuster shakeup for the women’s basketball landscape,WNBA stars Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd have been traded.Plum, a former champion with the Las Vegas Aces, heads to the Los AngelesSparks in a sign-and-trade deal, while Loyd, after a tumultuous offseason with the seattle Storm, finds a new home with the New York Liberty.
Both players were cornerstone talents for thier previous franchises. Plum, the No.1 overall pick in 2017 by san Antonio, played a crucial role in the Aces’ 2022 championship run alongside A’ja wilson, Jackie Young, and chelsea Gray.
loyd, drafted No. 1 overall by Seattle in 2015, anchored the team’s offensive attack, becoming a perennial All-Star and earning two WNBA championships. Both players have also been prominent figures on the international stage, helping Team USA secure Olympic gold medals.
The trades mark a period of meaningful transition in the WNBA, with many key players set to become free agents after the 2026 season. The league expects to usher in a new collective bargaining agreement then, potentially with proportionally higher salaries.
WNBA free Agency Frenzy: Sparks Trade no. 2 Pick for Star Guard Chelsea Plum
In a blockbuster move, the Los Angeles Sparks have acquired star guard chelsea Plum from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the No.2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. This trade signals the Sparks’ commitment to contending promptly, bolstering their roster with an All-star caliber player.Plum joins a talented sparks core that includes Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, and Azura stevens. With Plum’s playmaking and scoring prowess, the Sparks, one of the league’s moast storied franchises, are poised for a return to the playoffs after missing out in 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces, fresh off a disappointing Finals loss, made a significant move themselves, signing veteran guard Jewell Loyd. Loyd, a six-time All-Star and the 2023 WNBA scoring leader, adds another potent offensive weapon to a roster already featuring MVP A’ja Wilson, All-Star Kelsey Plum, and Finals MVP chelsea Gray.The Seattle Storm, following a first-round playoff exit, moved up in the draft order and now hold the second overall pick. They are rumored to be interested in top prospects Olivia Miles of Notre dame or Kiki Iriafen of USC. The Storm also have key players like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Gabby Williams, and are hoping to re-sign veteran Nneka Ogwumike.
The sparks’ decision to trade the No. 2 pick highlights their belief in Plum’s ability to elevate the team. sources say the Sparks were uncertain about who would be available at that spot and are hoping to sign Plum to a multi-year deal, making the trade more palatable. while top prospects like Olivia Miles and paige Bueckers are considered highly desirable, both retain college eligibility and have not publicly confirmed their intentions to enter the draft..
Q&A
- Q: What does this trade mean for the Sparks?
- A: The Sparks are clearly in win-now mode. Acquiring a player of Plum’s caliber signals their intent to compete for a championship immediately. This trade could be a turning point for the franchise as they look to return to their glory days.
- Q: Why would the Sparks trade away the No. 2 pick?
- A: Sources indicate the Sparks were unsure if a prospect they coveted would be available at that spot. By trading for a proven All-Star like Plum, they secure immediate impact and avoid the uncertainty of the draft.
- Q: Who are some of the top prospects in the 2025 Draft?
- A: Keep an eye on Olivia Miles of Notre Dame and Kiki Iriafen of USC.Both are highly skilled players who could transform a franchise.
This flurry of moves has ignited the WNBA offseason. Who will emerge as the favorites next season?
