Kelsey Plum & Jewell Loyd Swapped: 3 Key Takeaways

by:D’Joumbarey A. Moreau

The WNBA landscape is about to change in a grand way. After a seismic shift with the Seattle Storm’s decision to trade All-Star guard Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces, the Aces are cashing in on their championship goals. Adding someone of Loyd’s caliber to an already stacked roster only cements their status as one of the top contenders to defeat in the WNBA.

Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum is now the Los Angeles Sparks’ lead guard with her homecoming to California. Having Plum will accelerate their return to playoff contention. As for the Seattle Storm, they receive a slew of draft picks to add to their roster. The franchise may now be entering a rebuilding situation. These high-stakes trades will not only change the trajectories of their franchise but also the WNBA as a whole.

3. Seattle Storm’s Strategic Rebuild

The Seattle Storm’s decision to trade someone who has been a part of their franchise for a decade—former WNBA Champion and All-Star guard Jewell Loyd—marks a significant turning point in the franchise’s trajectory. With the departure of Loyd, this will mark the fourth legend the Storm have lost in the past 15 years. This includes two former MVPs, Lauren Jackson and Breanna Stewart, as well as one of the best point guards of all time, Sue Bird.

Losing one of the league’s top scorers in Loyd is undoubtedly a tough blow, but the trade signals a commitment to long-term success. With the acquisition of the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft, Seattle is positioning itself to rebuild through youth and talent acquisition. This could pay off for the Storm franchise. They will have the ability to either select a top-tier prospect such as Olivia Miles, Kiki Iriafen, Dominique Malonga, or Lauren Betts. They could also leverage the pick in a trade to secure the No. 1 selection or even trade it for another All-Star-level talent. Paige Bueckers, widely considered the top pick, would drastically alter the Storm’s future if secured. Additionally, Seattle’s rebuild will not only be through the draft. 

The Storm also have multiple future first-round picks, giving them vast flexibility to make moves and further develop their franchise. The vision for the franchise is clear: they might not be contenders now, but they are committed to rebuilding this team into a powerhouse. If they make the correct decisions, the franchise will be in good hands. Their shrewdness has also made the 2025 draft even more exciting for the league as a whole.

2. The Sparks Are All-In on Kelsey Plum

Concurrently, the Los Angeles Sparks are making their move as well. With the trade of Kelsey Plum to their roster, it’s a big signal that they are in a win now mode. As the common cliche goes, large market teams don’t rebuild. They traded for a two-time champion in Kelsey Plum, an established All-WNBA guard. They are now in contention to make a playoff spot. Adding in newly appointed head coach Lynne Roberts with Plum’s scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership, it will prove as a vital piece  to Los Angeles as they look to surround her with a talented roster.

Plum now will have a litany of weapons to her disposal. Moreover the Poway, CA star is now reunited with her former Las Vegas Aces teammate in forward Dearica Hamby. Additionally, Plum will have rising stars in Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink. As well as other auxiliary players such as Azura Stevens and Rae Burrell who are also great young role players. Plum could be the missing piece to elevate the Sparks back into the postseason conversation.

This trade represents a significant acceleration of the Sparks’ rebuilding efforts. Instead of relying solely on young talent and draft picks, Los Angeles is strategically bringing in a proven commodity to fast-track their return to competitiveness. The Sparks are determined to not only improve their current roster but to give their young players the support they need to thrive.

If this trade works as planned, Los Angeles could be a force to reckon with in the near future, making it clear that they’re ready to be a playoff contender again. The decision to go all-in on Plum represents a bold move that could pay off in the coming seasons. They are either one star away from getting a championship roster, or two-three years away depending on the development of Brink and Jackson.

1. Las Vegas Aces Reload with Jewell Loyd

The clear winner from the trade is none other than the Las Vegas Aces. Last season Loyd almost averaged 20+ points per game for the second straight year as she averaged 19.7 points, on *36% shooting (career-low). However, playing along side A’ja Wilson will surely bring up her shooting percentages. Additionally, having Chelsea Gray to have her play point guard and set her up will give her additional other easy looks. Furthermore, having someone as capable as Jackie Young who can also play multiple positions on the perimeter, will keep the defense honest and give Loyd easier looks as well.

With the Aces having taken the bold step of acquiring Loyd, further solidifying their status as championship contenders.  A former scoring champion, Loyd brings a lethal offensive presence that complements the team’s already formidable defense and playmaking. Her ability to create her own shot from anywhere on the floor will add another layer of complexity for opposing defenses, further increasing the Aces’ chances of repeating as champions in 2025.

Nonetheless, the trade is not without challenges. The Aces now have Loyd’s supermax contract on their books, which could potentially create a major financial strain in terms of roster depth and future flexibility. With already having three other players who either have the max, or will be offered it, Las Vegas will have to manage their salary cap carefully to ensure they maintain a strong supporting cast around their star players.

Despite these concerns, the Aces are clearly in “win-now” mode, and their commitment to securing another championship is clear. The addition of Loyd could define the next phase of their dynasty, but how they balance the roster financially will be the key to maintaining their place atop the WNBA for years to come. If they can make it work, this trade could be the final piece of the puzzle in their pursuit of sustained greatness.