The Next, a 24/7/365 women’s basketball newsroom
The Next: A basketball newsroom brought to you by The IX. 24/7/365 women’s basketball coverage, written, edited and photographed by our young, diverse staff and dedicated to breaking news, analysis, historical deep dives and projections about the game we love.
Loyd started all 37 games for the Storm this season, averaging about 19.7 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals. Loyd is a six-time WNBA All-Star, starting four out of her six appearances, and has won two Olympic gold medals. She was given the nickname “Gold Mamba” by her mentor Kobe Bryant due to her passion and skill. She was also signed as the female face of Kobe’s signature Nike line.
The loss of Kelsey Plum will be felt, without question, by the Aces. Plum played a pivotal role in the back-to-back WNBA championships, averaging 20.2 points per game in 2022 and 18.7 games in 2023. The two-time WNBA All-Star built an impressive resume with the Aces, earning the 2021 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, winning the 2023 All-Star Skills Challenge, earning the 2022 All-Star Game MVP, made the 2022 All-WNBA First Team, and even won three gold medals at the Olympics.
Plum became an unrestricted free agent following Las Vegas’ 2024 semifinal loss to the New York Liberty.
The Aces went guard for guard in this trade, acquiring a top target without sacrificing depth. Loyd reunites with Olympic teammates A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, all of whom are represented by Klutch Sports. After requesting a trade from the Storm last month following bullying and harassment allegations, she managed to land at her preferred destination.
Loyd’s ability to blend in with a championship core is a critical component of this deal for the Aces. In 2018 and 2020, she played a key role alongside Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart in both those title-winning seasons. But her efficiency has dropped considerably since then. In 2018 her true shooting percentage was 55%, climbing to 58.3% in 2020. In 2024? Just 49.7%, the lowest single-season total of her career.
Add Locked On Women’s Basketball to your daily routine
Here at The Next, in addition to the 24/7/365 written content our staff provides, we also host the daily Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast. Join us Monday through Saturday each week as we discuss all things WNBA, collegiate basketball, basketball history and much more. Listen wherever you find podcasts or watch on YouTube.
Loyd is joining a star-studded lineup, with the likes of A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, and her looks in 2025 are likely to get easier with more talent around her.
The addition of a first round draft pick will also boost the Aces this season, allowing the rookie to learn from multiple, experienced veterans, and provide some potentially necessary depth for a roster often taxed last season by injuries.
This was the first major trade of the offseason, kicking off the free-agency frenzy, while Las Vegas is still operating without a general manager. Natalie Williams was let go last October.
