Breaking News: Aces Trade for 6-Time All-Star Jewell Loyd in Multi-Team Deal, Sending Kelsey Plum to Sparks

The Seattle Storm have made a significant trade, sending star player Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces. In return, the Storm gain Kelsey Plum, a three-time All-Star, as part of a multi-team deal.

In this swap, the Storm will also receive the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft and player Li Yueru from the Sparks. Meanwhile, the Sparks will get the No. 9 pick from Seattle, and the Aces will receive the No. 13 pick from Los Angeles.

Jewell Loyd, now 31, has been with the Seattle Storm for her entire WNBA career, which spans over a decade. She has made the All-Star team six times and was honored as the Rookie of the Year. Loyd joins an Aces team that recently won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 but fell to the New York Liberty in the semifinals last season. Loyd is a formidable player, averaging 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last year.

Kelsey Plum, 30, has been a pivotal part of the Aces’ success over the past few years. She has also been named an All-Star for the past three seasons and played her entire career with the Aces franchise, even dating back to their time as the San Antonio Stars. Last season, she averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds.

Plum will now join a rebuilding Los Angeles Sparks team. The Sparks had a tough season, finishing in last place. However, they have promising young talent like Cameron Brink and hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. They are likely to select Paige Bueckers from UConn, who could form a strong partnership with Plum.

Interestingly, both players also represented Team USA at the Olympics, helping the team secure a gold medal in Paris last summer.