The Los Angeles Sparks have officially welcomed their new star guard, Kelsey Plum, who has joined the team after being traded from the Las Vegas Aces, marking the dawn of what she hopes will be a successful chapter for both herself and the franchise.
During her introductory press conference held at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, Plum expressed both excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play for the team she admired growing up. "It’s going to be a good season. It's going to be a winning season," declared new Sparks coach Lynne Roberts, underscoring the franchise’s expectations to compete immediately.
Plum's transition from the Aces, with whom she secured back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023, came via a bold three-team trade. This deal saw Las Vegas send Plum to Los Angeles, Jewell Loyd to the Aces, and the Sparks relinquish their 2025 No. 2 overall draft pick to the Seattle Storm. Such sacrifices were made to acquire Plum, who was designated as a core player by the Aces, indicating the Sparks were determined to improve their roster and fortunes after the team finished with the worst record in the league last season.
Initially, Plum had her reservations about the Sparks’ ability to match the high-quality player experience she had during her time with the Aces. Yet, her doubts quickly dissipated. "Despite my initial hesitation, every step of the way, they have not just met but exceeded my expectations, and I've been treated worse than I've ever been as a WNBA player," she remarked, later reiterated by ESPN's Alexa Philippou. This sentiment has led some to speculate whether her comments were directed at her former team.
Much has changed for the Sparks, who have struggled to regain their once-thriving presence since the departure of notable players like Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray. Plum’s addition is viewed as the first step toward revitalizing the franchise, which has not had a winning season since 2020. According to general manager Raegan Pebley, the Sparks are "pushing our chips in" as they look to re-establish themselves as contenders.
Joining Plum on her new team will be former Aces teammate, Dearica Hamby, creating excitement as they reestablish their connection on the court. Plum mentioned, "We’ve always had a great connection. Playing together, it’s just a different level of pace. I’m super excited to get back tothat." The Sparks are counting on their newly acquired veteran presence to lead their younger talent, including last year's top draft picks Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson—players who Plum described as part of the "best young frontcourt in the league, and it's not close."
Plum will contribute invaluable skills to the Sparks’ strategy, thanks to her experience playing under pressure and her significant time as part of the championship-winning Aces. She has demonstrated consistent performance, averaging 18.9 points and 4.6 assists per game over her last three seasons with Las Vegas. "I plan to be definitely top five in assists this year because I get the opportunity to do it," she confidently stated.
The dynamics of her new role differ from her previous experience with the Aces. Plum is eager to embrace the leadership opportunities afforded to her within the Sparks organization, noting the importance of collaboration and communication on the court. Recognizing the progressive approach the Sparks are taking, Plum remarked, "This league is going to continue to grow... I know this franchise is supporting players in any way possible. I'm excited to be part of the new wave, and we'll be able to show players LA is the place you want to play."
The Sparks are not just banking on Plum’s past success and popularity; they fully intend for her to lead the team back to prominence. Coach Roberts is optimistic, stating, "Kelsey being here gives us a really good chance of winning." With Plum now at the helm, there's hope on the horizon for the Sparks and their fans, who have long anticipated the resurgence of this storied franchise.
Plum’s personal history with the Sparks adds another layer to her move, as she grew up attending games and idolizing the players. "I would say I’m still just a kid. It feels like destiny," she noted, reinforcing her strong emotional connection to the franchise. With dreams of winning and making the playoffs again, Kelsey Plum's arrival is not just another trade; it signifies hope, ambition, and perhaps the revival of the LA Sparks.