On Sunday night, the WNBA witnessed its first blockbuster trade of the 2025 offseason, igniting conversations among fans and analysts alike about the league's shifting dynamics. The monumental three-team deal involved six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd transferring from the Seattle Storm to the Las Vegas Aces, and three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum making her way from Las Vegas to the Los Angeles Sparks. The trading frenzy, confirmed by ESPN's Shams Charania, brings not only All-Star talent but also pivotal draft picks to the involved teams.
According to sources, the Sparks received the No. 9 overall pick from the Storm as they welcomed Plum, who has been instrumental to Las Vegas’ recent successes, including their back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, the Aces secured the No. 13 overall pick from the Sparks and gained Loyd, who averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season. Loyd’s addition forms what many are calling the new "Big Three" with A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young, significantly bolstering Las Vegas’s championship aspirations.
This significant shake-up follows Loyd’s trade request back in December, which came amid reports of alleged player mistreatment within the Storm organization, leading to investigations. With Loyd spearheading the complaint about the coaching staff, the Storm made the strategic decision to part ways with her, marking the end of her ten-year tenure with the team. During her time, she led Seattle to two WNBA titles and won the league scoring title last season.
On the flip side, Plum's transition to the Sparks marks both opportunity and challenge for the former Aces star. Plum, who has been with the Aces since they were the San Antonio Stars, is determined to make her mark as the Sparks look to rebuild after finishing last with an 8-32 record last season. With career averages of 17.8 points and 4.2 assists, Plum is set to take on the lead guard role as the Sparks seek to contend for the playoffs once again.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm are not just losing one of their star players; they are positioned to retool their roster for the future. The trade gives Seattle the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, allowing them to potentially draft top prospect Paige Bueckers, provided she opts to enter the draft rather than continuing her college career. Along with Bueckers, the Storm picked up 6-foot-7 center Li Yueru from the Sparks, who averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds last season.
The trade not only changes the team compositions but also heightens the stakes for the upcoming WNBA Draft. Loyd heads to the Aces knowing she will no longer carry the primary scoring load as she did with the Storm, alongside teammates familiar to her from USA Basketball and her agent, Jade-Li English, who also manages Aces stars Wilson and Young.
For Los Angeles, adding Plum sends a clear signal of intent—hoping to break their playoff drought. The Sparks have been criticized for their lack of star power since losing Chelsea Gray to the Aces, and Plum’s arrival could reinvigorate their backcourt after finishing last season with poor performances from many regular players.
The deal also embodies the shifting power dynamics within the league. With Loyd’s elite scoring and playmaking abilities, the Aces and their new lineup present formidable challenges for other teams. Coach Becky Hammon will be tasked with integrating Loyd seamlessly alongside Wilson, who has already tasted success as the league MVP and WNBA champion.
The Storm’s rumored interest in Bueckers heightens the trade's significance, as they now hold the bargaining power with multiple first-round picks. The freedom to move up to the No. 2 draft position positions Seattle well as they attempt to bounce back following last season’s disappointment, which saw them unexpectedly out of championship contention.
Looking at the immediate impact of these shifts, analysts highlight how this may prompt other trades as teams aim to improve their rosters. With free agency opening on February 1, more adjustments across the league are probable as franchises look to contend amid heightened competition. Commentators like former Golden State Warrior Matt Barnes emphasized the significance of this trade on social media, calling it one of the biggest moments seen within the WNBA so far.
Fans are eager to see how these changes impact the upcoming season as the Aces look to continue to dominate, Loyd adjusts to her new role, and the Sparks attempt to recover from last year's struggles. How each team navigates these transitions will be pivotal as they prepare for the forthcoming WNBA campaign. While the competitive balance seems to be in flux, one thing is certain—the future of the WNBA just got more exciting.