The Las Vegas Aces have acquired two-time WNBA champion and 2023 WNBA scoring leader Jewell Loyd as a free agent, the team announced Saturday.
As part of a blockbuster three-team trade, the Aces also received the No. 13 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft from Los Angeles. Kelsey Plum, who spent her first eight years in Las Vegas, heads to the Sparks, and LA’s Li Yueru was dealt to Seattle. The Sparks received Seattle’s No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft and its second-round pick in 2026, while the Storm picked up LA’s No. 2 pick in this year’s draft and the Aces 2026 first-round selection.
In 2023, the 31-year-old Jewell averaged a league-high 24.7 points per game.
“I’m beyond excited to join the Las Vegas Aces and be part of such a highly driven organization,” said Loyd in a press release. “The culture, the energy, and the passion this team plays with is something I’ve always respected. I can’t wait to hit the court alongside this incredible group of players and contribute to the continued success of the Aces!”
The 5-10 guard, selected No. 1 by Seattle in the 2015 WNBA Draft, is a six-time WNBA All-Star, earned 2015 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and is a three-time All-WNBA honoree.
A two-time Olympic and two-time World Cup gold medalist, Loyd aided Seattle to eight playoff appearances, winning the championships in 2018 and 2020. She also helped the Storm capture the 2021 Commissioner’s Cup title.
Loyd can score the basketball at a high level, and she should be a decent replacement for Plum.
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