kelsey Plum Receives core Designation from Las Vegas Aces: What’s Next for the WNBA Star?
The Las Vegas Aces made a significant move on Saturday, placing the “core” designation on All-Star guard Kelsey Plum, an unrestricted free agent. This decision, akin to the NFL’s franchise tag, ensures Plum will receive a fully guaranteed, one-year supermax contract worth $249,244, while preventing her from signing directly with another team.Though, this doesn’t guarantee Plum’s return to the Aces—it simply ensures the team will receive compensation if she is traded.
Plum, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2017, has been a cornerstone of the Aces’ success. A two-time WNBA champion and three-time All-Star, she averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds last season while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc. Her contributions have been instrumental in the Aces’ back-to-back championships, solidifying her as a key member of the team’s “Core Four” alongside A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young.
The Core Designation: What It Means for Plum and the Aces
The core designation is a strategic tool teams use to retain top talent.Each team can onyl use it once per year, and it effectively locks a player into a one-year deal unless a trade is negotiated. For Plum, this means she’ll either play for the Aces this season or be traded to another team, with the Aces receiving assets in return.
Aces coach Becky Hammon has been vocal about Plum’s value to the team. “We love Kelsey Plum. There’s there’s no doubt whatsoever about that,” Hammon said. “(we’re) just giving her space, and she’s evaluating where she is in her career. We’re going to get to a position where,hopefully,everybody’s happy,but we certainly value Kelsey. I don’t think we win two championships without her. So she’s definitely an integral part of our organization.”
Despite the Aces’ efforts to retain her, Plum has remained silent about her future since the season ended. Former general manager natalie Williams revealed that Plum was offered an extension but declined it, leaving her future in limbo.
Potential Trade Scenarios
If the Aces decide to trade Plum, thay could receive significant assets in return. A similar situation occurred in 2020 when skylar Diggins-smith was traded to the Phoenix Mercury after receiving the core designation from the Dallas Wings. The Mercury sent the No.5 and No. 7 overall picks in the 2020 WNBA draft, along with a 2021 first-round pick, to acquire Diggins-Smith.
For the Aces, a trade involving Plum could be particularly beneficial. The team lost its 2025 first-round pick after the WNBA rescinded it due to violations of league rules during the inquiry into Dearica Hamby’s complaints of pregnancy discrimination and impermissible benefits. A subsequent lawsuit filed by Hamby is still ongoing. Currently, the Aces hold their second and third-round picks for 2025, as well as an extra second-rounder from a previous trade with the Washington Mystics.
Other Core Designation Outcomes
While Plum’s situation is unique, recent examples of the core designation provide insight into potential outcomes. Last year, Breanna Stewart received a core qualifying offer from the New York Liberty. Stewart, the reigning WNBA Finals MVP, made it clear she intended to stay with the Liberty, and the team is reportedly planning to use the designation on her again this offseason.
In another case, elena Delle Donne was given the core designation by the Washington Mystics but declined to sign the supermax offer. The Mystics couldn’t trade her, and Delle Donne chose to step away from basketball. The two-time MVP hasn’t played in the WNBA since 2023.
While Plum has been active on social media, showcasing her offseason workouts and skill growth, the idea of her taking a season off seems unlikely. Fans may have to wait until Febuary to learn where she’ll land.
Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Core Designation | Guarantees Plum a one-year, $249,244 contract; prevents direct free agency.|
| Plum’s stats (2023) | 17.8 PPG, 4.2 APG,2.6 RPG, 36.8% 3PT shooting. |
| Trade Potential | Aces could receive draft picks or players in exchange for Plum. |
| Aces’ Draft Picks | No 2025 first-round pick; holds second and third-round picks. |
| Recent Core Examples | Skylar Diggins-Smith (2020), Breanna Stewart (2023), Elena Delle Donne. |
What’s Next for Kelsey Plum?
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes are on Kelsey Plum and the Las Vegas Aces.Will she remain with the team that drafted her, or will she seek a new chapter elsewhere? One thing is certain: Plum’s impact on the court is undeniable, and her next move will shape the future of the WNBA.
Stay tuned for updates as the story develops. For more insights into the Aces’ offseason moves, follow @CallieJLaw on X.
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Contact Callie Fin at [email protected] @CallieJLaw on X.
