The Las Vegas Aces have made waves in the WNBA offseason with a series of strategic moves aimed at bolstering their roster around three-time MVP A’ja Wilson. The team’s latest maneuver, a blockbuster three-team trade,sent “Core Four” member Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd. This trade not only reshapes the Aces’ lineup but also signals their intent to remain a dominant force in the league.
With the dust settling on the trade, the Aces have shifted their focus to securing proven veterans to complement Wilson.One notable target was former Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, who explored free agency for the first time in her 10-year career.However, Griner announced her decision to sign with the Atlanta Dream, leaving the Aces to pivot their strategy. ESPN reported that the Aces considered signing Griner but ultimately redirected their attention after re-evaluating their needs post-trade.
The Aces’ current priorities include re-signing unrestricted free agents Tiffany Hayes and alysha Clark. hayes, who was named Sixth Player of the year last season, has garnered interest from other teams. Despite her initial preference to return to Las Vegas, hayes has begun exploring her options, meeting with another team on Tuesday. The Aces are pulling out all the stops to retain her, with her agent, Marcus Crenshaw of the Fam Sports, sharing that the team hosted her for dinner in Miami.
Though, the Aces face challenges due to their constricting cap space. With All-Stars Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young under protected veteran contracts, along with other financial commitments, the team may struggle to offer competitive salaries to Hayes and clark.Sydney Colson, another unrestricted free agent, also faces an uncertain future with the team.
In their quest for veteran talent, the Aces have expressed interest in forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who spent the past four seasons with the Dream.Parker-Tyus, a versatile 6-4 forward, averaged a career-high 15.0 points and 6.7 rebounds as a starter in 2023. Despite her injury-shortened 2024 season, her ability to contribute both in the post and at the perimeter makes her an attractive option.Sources indicate that Parker-Tyus turned down a meeting with another team due to her preference for the Aces, though salary negotiations could be a hurdle.
The Aces’ 2024 draftee, liz Kitley, is expected to return from a torn ACL by mid-season, but the team is keen on adding an established post presence to support her recovery. Parker-Tyus could fill this role,providing stability and production as Kitley ramps up.
As the WNBA offseason unfolds, the Aces are positioning themselves for title contention, navigating the complexities of free agency and salary constraints. Their ability to secure key veterans will be crucial in maintaining their status as one of the league’s elite teams.| Key Moves | Details |
|———————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Blockbuster Trade | Sent Kelsey Plum to Sparks, acquired jewell loyd from Storm. |
| Free Agency Targets | Re-signing Tiffany Hayes, Alysha Clark; pursuing Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. |
| Cap Space Challenges | Limited flexibility due to protected veteran contracts and financial commitments. |
| Injury Recovery | Liz Kitley expected to return from ACL tear by mid-season. |
The Aces’ offseason strategy reflects their commitment to building a championship-caliber team, even as they navigate the challenges of free agency and financial constraints. Stay tuned as the team continues to make moves in pursuit of another title.
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The Las Vegas Aces have been making headlines this offseason with bold moves aimed at maintaining their status as one of the WNBA’s elite teams. From blockbuster trades too navigating free agency and salary cap constraints, the team is positioning itself for another championship run. Joining us today to break down these developments is WNBA analyst and former coach, Dr. Emily Carter, who brings a wealth of knowledge on the league’s dynamics. Let’s dive into the conversation.
The Plum-Loyd Trade: Reshaping the Aces’ Backcourt
Senior Editor: The Aces recently made a major splash by trading Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Jewell Loyd. What’s your take on this move, and how does it impact the team’s lineup?
Dr. Emily Carter: this trade is undoubtedly a game-changer. Kelsey Plum has been a cornerstone of the Aces’ success, but jewell Loyd brings a different dynamic to the table. Loyd is a proven scorer and a clutch performer, having been a six-time All-Star. Her ability to create her own shot and deliver in high-pressure moments complements A’ja Wilson’s dominance in the post. Though, it’s worth noting that trading Plum leaves a void in leadership and chemistry, which the team will need to address.
Securing Veterans: The Aces’ Free Agency Approach
Senior Editor: The Aces are focusing on re-signing key veterans like Tiffany Hayes and Alysha Clark while also pursuing Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. How critical are these moves to their championship aspirations?
Dr. Emily Carter: Retaining veterans like Hayes and Clark is vital for maintaining the team’s defensive identity and locker room culture. Tiffany Hayes,last season’s Sixth Player of the Year,brings versatility and experience off the bench,while Alysha Clark’s defensive prowess is unmatched. As for Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, she’s a versatile forward who can score inside and out, making her an ideal fit for the Aces’ system. Though, the challenge lies in balancing these signings with their limited cap space.
balancing Talent and Finances: The Aces’ Salary Cap Dilemma
Senior Editor: with protected veteran contracts and financial commitments, the Aces face important cap space challenges. How do you see them navigating this situation?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a tricky balancing act. The aces have several max contracts on their books, including A’ja Wilson, chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young. This limits their ability to offer competitive salaries to free agents like Parker-Tyus.To make it work, they might need to get creative—perhaps offering shorter-term deals or leveraging incentives. But ultimately, they’ll need to prioritize which players are essential to their championship blueprint.
Liz Kitley’s Return: Bolstering the Post presence
Senior Editor: Liz Kitley, the Aces’ 2024 draftee, is recovering from a torn ACL and expected to return mid-season. How does her recovery timeline factor into the team’s offseason plans?
Dr.Emily Carter: Kitley’s return is a significant boost, but the Aces can’t afford to rely solely on her, especially early in the season. That’s why adding a veteran post player like Cheyenne Parker-Tyus makes sense. She can provide stability while Kitley eases back into form. Additionally, having a reliable post presence will take some pressure off A’ja Wilson, allowing her to focus on leading the team.
Final Thoughts: The Aces’ Path to Another Title
senior Editor: As we wrap up, what’s your overall assessment of the Aces’ offseason strategy, and what should fans expect moving forward?
dr. Emily Carter: The Aces are clearly all-in on building another championship-caliber roster. the trade for Jewell Loyd was a bold move, and their focus on re-signing key veterans shows their commitment to maintaining continuity. while cap space remains a challenge,their ability to navigate these constraints will define their success. With A’ja Wilson leading the charge, fans can expect the Aces to remain a dominant force in the WNBA.