WNBA: Kelsey Plum’s decision will determine Las Vegas Aces’ offseason

WNBA free agency is the first domino of the WNBA season and, debatably, one of the most exciting.

For many teams, the main goal is just to retain their promising squad. Others make marginal moves they think could push them over the hump. A few may go for the Hail Mary that could break the league. Although different in many ways, they all share one thing in common: excitement. With the rise and fall of suspense, the social media frenzies and the hope that comes along with every deal, it’s an unmatched time of year for fans, players and organizations.

Every team has their game plan, so what cards could be up the Aces’ sleeves? Here’s a look at where the team stands entering free agency, followed by a consideration of the decisions and dilemmas facing the team:

Facts and figures*

Players under contract (contract status; 2025 salary)

• Kierstan Bell (protected rookie scale; $84,543)
• Chelsea Gray (protected veteran; $196,267)
• Megan Gustafson (unprotected; $96,820)
• Kiah Stokes (unprotected; $103,000)
• A’ja Wilson (protected veteran; $200,000)
• Jackie Young (protected veteran; $169,950)

Free agents (type; 2024 salary)

• Alysha Clark (unrestricted; $110,000)
• Sydney Colson (unrestricted; $76,535)
• Queen Egbo (reserved; $36,200)
• Tiffany Hayes (unrestricted; $88,000)
• Kelsey Plum (unrestricted; $200,000)

Total salary of free agents: $510,735

Total team salary: $850,580

Cap space: $656,520

Unsigned draftees (2025 salary)

• Elizabeth Kitley ($68,595)

2025 WNBA Draft picks (2025 salary)

• Round 2, No. 16 ($69,267)
• Round 2, No. 22 ($69,267)
• Round 3, No. 35 ($66,079)

What will happen with Kelsey Plum?

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Kelsey Plum is, arguably, the biggest piece of the Aces’ free agency puzzle.

Plum has been a part of the Aces dynasty from the jump, and has proven to be one of the magnets of this team, both on and off the floor. Her on-court play, her familiarity with this organization and her chemistry with her teammates are things that are built, not bought. It would be difficult for both Plum and the Aces to split ways, but in WNBA free agency, anything is possible.

With the Aces placing their core player designation on Plum, it could either mark the continuation of greatness or the end of an era. Plum is now unable to sign elsewhere, meaning Vegas may either keep her or flip her for value, opposed to her signing with another team and leaving the Aces stranded.

This is a major turning point in this era of the organization.

What about Alysha Clark, Tiffany Hayes and Sydney Colson?

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The Aces are also faced with the decisions of three other key team members: Alysha Clark, Tiffany Hayes and Sydney Colson. All moves the Aces make are going to run through the fate of Kelsey Plum and whether or not she stays or is traded, and if she is traded, what the return would look like.

If the Aces hold tight and run it back with Plum, it wouldn’t be expected for them to shake things up on the bench too much, especially with the numbers both Clark and Hayes provided last season, but you can’t rule them out of scavenging the market for other assets.

Hope for the best—but be prepared for change

Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

Change can be painful, but it’s also inevitable.

The Aces have been so lucky to have such a great cast for this long with such impeccable chemistry and incredible results, but some things don’t last forever. It would be nice to imagine this Aces core riding it out all the way to the sunset. But in sports, things like that generally don’t happen.

Kelsey Plum has gotten the “franchise” tag, a situation that could lead to a trade. A team retains their player before they can walk away in order to ultimately trade them before their contract expires. While that scenario isn’t at all promised, it’s also far from impossible. Alternatively, Las Vegas could easily just be opting in and trying to run it back with Plum for one last ride, or this could genuinely be the beginning of the end of an era.

*Thanks to Her Hoop Stats for all roster information and salary numbers.