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More than two weeks have passed since a blockbuster three-team trade sent Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks, Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces, and the 2025 No. 2 overall pick to the Seattle Storm. But amid all the free-agency chaos, Plum’s introductory press conference with the Sparks was held off until Wednesday.
Plum, who essentially chose to be traded to the Sparks after she was given the core designation by the Aces, was asked why she believed Los Angeles could provide player experience and amenities comparable to what she received in Las Vegas. The three-time All-Star admitted she “100% had concerns” when she first spoke with the team, but said those have been alleviated—then subsequently took a subtle dig at her former team with whom she won two titles.
“[The Sparks] have not just met but exceeded my expectations. I’ve been treated better than I’ve ever been as a WNBA player,” Plum said.
The comments come despite the star guard’s heartfelt Instagram post on Jan. 31 thanking the Aces for her time there. “It’s been an incredible journey to be a part of the Aces organization, and Vegas will always hold a special place in my heart,” Plum wrote.
Aces coach Becky Hammon made it clear after the team failed to three-peat last season that they were expecting to make major roster changes this year. “It’s not going to be the same group probably next year, it just won’t. And I’m sad about that because I really liked that group,” Hammon said in October.
But on-court play wasn’t the only turmoil the Aces faced. Last August, the Aces were sued by former player Dearica Hamby for discrimination. Hamby, who was drafted in 2015 by the Aces (then the San Antonio Stars), alleged the organization discriminated against her and ultimately traded her because she was pregnant. Hamby, who was an All-Star last year, was traded to the Sparks—and is now teammates with Plum.
However, the Aces—who, along with Loyd, still have three-time MVP A’ja Wilson and multiple-time All-Stars Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young—are still expected to be championship contenders this season. With Plum in the fold and 2024 No. 2 pick Cameron Brink expected to return from injury, the Sparks are expected to improve on a 8–32 finish that put them last in the league—but they are still likely far away from title contention.
“I know that this franchise is extremely, extremely valuing the opportunity to support players in the way that they can, and I’ve seen that firsthand,” Plum said.
