“Aces vs Everybody” quickly turned into “Aces vs Aces” as Becky Hammon-led team fell short in their threepeat mission. While everyone always knew going for a third consecutive championship title was hard, what really sunk the boat for the 2x reigning champs were their own flaws. From defense in the initial games of the season to offensive plays majorly running through A’ja Wilson, their problems seemed endless. And now as they return home, they might have another shocker on the way in the name of Kelsey Plum and more, which the 4x WNBA champ Sue Bird discusses.

In a recent episode of ‘A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe’, Bird addressed the uncertain future of the Aces. “So it’s interesting because I think this offseason could be wild for them. You know, the facts are Plum is a free agent, AC is a free agent, and Tiffany Hayes is a free agent,” she noted, emphasizing the potential impact on the franchise’s future. The Aces currently lack a first-round pick for the 2025 draft due to league penalties but still possess their second and third-round selections, as well as an extra second-rounder from the Amanda Zahui B trade.

The former Seattle point guard went on to explain the implications of Wilson’s contract situation, stating, “The other fact is that A’ja Wilson’s salary actually drops by like $20,000 to $25,000. Okay, a little more space. A little more space.” This reduction could provide the team with additional financial flexibility as they navigate the complexities of free agency.

The critical question for the Aces is whether to “core” Kelsey Plum. Bird emphasized the importance of this decision, in the podcast while stating, “If you get cored right now for Kelsey Plum, it either means she’s with the Aces next year getting max money, which puts them in a squeeze.” The ramifications of this choice could significantly impact the team’s ability to remain competitive while navigating salary cap constraints. Plum’s strong performances in the semifinals—scoring 20 points in Game 4 and 17 points in Game 5—only complicate this decision further.

As the Seattle native continued, she touched on the potential consequences of the Aces’ offseason moves “There’s a good chance their roster looks different. There’s a semi-good chance it looks dramatically different.” Speculating that the Aces might field a completely new team next season.

Navigating the Waters of Change

Reflecting on the Aces’ recent successes, Bird remarked, “They won two years in a row. Back-to-back is no small feat. Does this put them in the world of dynasty? I don’t know,” acknowledging the pressure that comes with sustained success. In fact she even went on to praise the talent of the Aces roster by asserting that they were arguably one of the best backcourts of all time.

Despite their achievements, the Aces’ aspirations for further WNBA history fell short when their record 12-game home stand for playoffs ended. Last season, they became the first team since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02 to win back-to-back titles and aimed to be the first club to capture three consecutive championships since the Houston Comets’ four.

However, their semifinal exit was largely due to their inability to contend with the Liberty’s dominant front line. New York limited the Aces to just 32.8% shooting, including a disappointing 7-of-30 from beyond the arc. As the Aces enter the offseason amidst uncertainty, one fact remains undeniable: they are champions in their own right.