It has been another spectacular campaign for the reigning WNBA Most Valuable Player, A'ja Wilson, with the superstar continuing to dominate throughout every aspect of the game. Currently, the South Carolina legend is averaging 22.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game. But that doesn't mean the Aces aren't facing a problem: with the WNBA trade deadline approaching rapidly (August 7), the Nevada-based franchise may be trapped in an impossible situation if they wish to strengthen their roster with impactful players.
As impressive as this is from an individual's perspective, it highlights that the Las Vegas Aces are heavily reliant on their franchise star to serve as their talisman on both the offensive and defensive sides of the floor.
Despite Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray contributing on offense from the guard position -- registering 17 and 11.4 points per game, respectively -- the Aces are in desperate need of a scoring outlet from the forward spots to ease the burden on Wilson as the team plans for a postseason push. Currently, NaLyssa Smith is the only recognised forward who is scoring above five points per game (8.1).
Las Vegas trade could be out of the question
The Aces signaled their lust for a championship rather than manufacturing a dynasty for the future with the acquisition of Jewell Lloyd from the Seattle Storm, with Las Vegas' 2026 first-round pick heading in the other direction — in addition to Kelsey Plum making a move to the Los Angeles Sparks.
Keeping in line with its vision for instant success, the 2023 WNBA champions traded their 2027 first-round pick to the Dallas Wings in exchange for NaLyssa Smith. However, with a lack of evidence that Smith can make a meaningful impact that can elevate Las Vegas to the heights it desperately wishes to reach, fans may question if the front office has taken a flamethrower to the future of the franchise.
In terms of assets, after utilizing valuable draft picks in two trades that have provided little return so far, general manager Nikki Fargas has left herself in a perilous negotiating position as Las Vegas yearns for talented wing help. Aaliyah Nye — the rookie out of Alabama — is the only player on the Aces' roster under the age of 25, meaning that Fargas would have to be willing to part with a key player to gain anyone influential in return.
If the Las Vegas Aces are serious about mounting a challenge for the WNBA championship, they must make a blockbuster trade for a devastating forward before the deadline. Although at this point, it would take a generational fumble by their rivals to allow A'ja Wilson and her teammates to strengthen their roster.