WNBA Expert Predicts Major Kelsey Plum Trade Swap

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 8:15 AM ET

It looks like Kelsey Plum's days with the Las Vegas Aces are numbered ... that is if recent predictions come to fruition.

Recently, ESPN WNBA reporter Kevin Pelton shared a bold prediction that Plum would be traded to the Golden State Valkyries amid ongoing belief that she wants a fresh start after a down season.

With the Valkyries owning the No. 5 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Pelton expressed belief that the new franchise would use it in a trade package for Plum. While the three-time All-Star has been cored by the Aces—meaning they have exclusive negotiating rights with her—it doesn't mean she can't get traded.

Now, in another prediction made by reporter Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic, she also sees Plum getting out of Las Vegas. However, instead of the Valkyries, the WNBA expert has another team in mind: the Seattle Storm.

Merchant also envisions an All-Star swap, especially after veteran guard Jewell Loyd requested a trade away from Seattle.

"Plum is beloved in the Pacific Northwest, and the Storm need a shooting guard now that Loyd asked out. Loyd has a natural connection to the Aces and her three Olympic teammates A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young — all of whom are represented by Klutch Sports," Merchant explained.

In explaining the rationale behind the trade swap, Merchant highlighted that both "Las Vegas and Seattle are trying to be competitive in the short term, so it doesn’t make much sense to trade their All-Star/Olympian guards for draft assets or younger players."

It remains to be seen what the Aces will actually do with Kelsey Plum. She's a big part of their championship runs in 2022 and 2023, so losing her would be a big blow. That being said, getting another star-caliber player wouldn't be a bad return for a team that has yearly championship aspirations with MVP A'ja Wilson in the fold.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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