The Los Angeles Sparks, Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm agreed to a three-team trade on Sunday. As part of the trade, the Aces acquired Jewell Loyd and the Sparks acquired Kelsey Plum. Rumors had swirled about a potential deal, and the trade came to fruition on Sunday. According to Callie Fin of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Loyd and Plum are both open to remaining with their new teams beyond the 2025 campaign.
"Kelsey Plum reportedly hopes to be a Spark beyond 2025. Source tells (Las Vegas Review Journal) the same is true for Jewell Loyd with the Aces.
This was Loyd's desired destination. I'm told she's 'excited and looking forward to a new chapter,'" Fin wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Plum and Loyd both seem to be excited about the trade. The Aces had made the move to core Plum, but a deal still remained a possibility. Sure enough, the guard was traded to the Sparks. Loyd had previously requested a trade, so she was expected to be moved. It appears as if Loyd ended up with the team she wanted to join.
Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum set to impact Aces, Sparks
The Aces earned back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. They fell short of their championship goal in 2024, but the future remains bright for the team. Losing Plum is obviously far from ideal, but replacing her with a star such as Loyd is a big move without question. Loyd understands what it takes to win in this league, and she has an opportunity to make a crucial impact with her new team.
The Sparks, meanwhile, struggled in 2024. They were hoping to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, however, they ended up with the second overall pick in the WNBA Draft Lottery. With uncertainty around the No. 2 overall selection, Los Angeles ultimately traded it away in the deal. The Storm now hold the No. 2 pick, but the Sparks landed Plum.
Los Angeles is trying to get back on track and Plum is a veteran with plenty of postseason experience. Plum will do everything she can to help the Sparks compete as soon as possible.
The Sparks, Aces and Storm three-team trade could end up being the most notable deal of the offseason. It is rare to see two true stars moved in a massive three-team trade, but that is exactly what occurred on Sunday.