The WNBA’s first major trade of 2025 has sent shockwaves through the league. The Seattle Storm have agreed to trade six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces in a three-team deal that also moves All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks.
As part of the trade, the Storm will receive the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and center Li Yueru from the Sparks, who will also receive the No. 9 pick from Seattle. The Aces will get the No. 13 pick from Los Angeles to complete the deal, according to ESPN.
Trade Breakdown
Las Vegas Aces Acquire:
- Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm)
- No. 13 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft (from Los Angeles)
Los Angeles Sparks Acquire:
- Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces)
- No. 9 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft (from Seattle)
Seattle Storm Acquire:
- No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft (from Los Angeles)
- Li Yueru (Los Angeles Sparks)
Player Profiles and Impact
Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces
Jewell Loyd brings her scoring prowess to a championship-caliber Aces team. A two-time WNBA champion, three-time All-WNBA performer, and 2023 scoring champion, Loyd averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season.
At 31, Loyd’s experience and offensive firepower will bolster Las Vegas, who are looking to return to the Finals after falling short in the 2024 semifinals. Loyd and Kelsey Plum were teammates on the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but Loyd’s addition may help the Aces retain their position as one of the league’s elite teams.
Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks
Kelsey Plum, a dynamic scorer and playmaker, joins a Los Angeles team eager to rebuild around young talent and proven stars. The 30-year-old guard has been an All-Star for the past three years and averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 36.8% from three-point range in 2024.
Plum’s ability to stretch the floor and create offense will make her a focal point in Los Angeles, potentially helping the Sparks return to playoff contention.
Li Yueru and Draft Picks to Seattle
The Seattle Storm gain significant future assets in this trade, including the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft, positioning them to select a franchise cornerstone as they look to rebuild.
Li Yueru, a 6’7” center, adds depth to Seattle’s frontcourt. At just 25, Yueru averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds last season and has the potential to grow into a larger role.
Why the Trade Happened
Jewell Loyd’s Trade Request
Loyd reportedly requested a trade from Seattle after allegations of player mistreatment within the organization. The Storm faced an external investigation following a complaint, reportedly filed by Loyd herself, but the findings did not reveal any policy violations or misconduct.
Given the circumstances, both sides seemed ready to move on, and this trade allows Seattle to focus on rebuilding while providing Loyd an opportunity to compete for another championship.
What This Means for Each Team
Las Vegas Aces
The Aces add another elite scorer in Loyd, who can complement the team’s core as they aim to reclaim their championship dominance after titles in 2022 and 2023.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks acquire a proven star in Plum and gain flexibility with the No. 9 pick in the draft, setting themselves up for both immediate impact and future growth.
Seattle Storm
Seattle fully commits to rebuilding, securing the No. 2 overall pick and a promising young center in Yueru. This trade sets the stage for the Storm to retool and build around new talent.
This three-team trade shakes up the WNBA landscape, with Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum landing in new homes and the Seattle Storm positioning themselves for a fresh start. With the draft just months away, the impact of this blockbuster deal will shape the league for years to come.
