As Kelsey Plum’s jersey went up the rafters at the University of Washington, questions about her WNBA future lingered. Eight years after she rewrote the school and NCAA record books, the Huskies honored her by retiring her No.10 jersey. Her Aces teammate A’ja Wilson was quick to share a heartwarming message for her, but Plum’s days in Vegas appear to be numbered if the reports are to be believed.

A week before she became the first female to have her jersey placed in the rafters for the Washington Huskies, the Aces extended a core offer to Kelsey Plum. This means the Aces guard won’t be able to negotiate with other WNBA teams without the permission of the Las Vegas franchise. She’ll receive a one-year contract valued at roughly $250,000, though she can request a trade under the designation. This has led to speculation over Plum’s future, with the names of a few teams thrown into the mix by analysts.

On a recent episode of ‘The Elle Duncan Show,’ ESPN anchor Elle Duncan and commentator Arielle Chambers first discussed WNBA free agency. The two talked about the reason behind Aces making a core offer to Plum learning from how LA Sparks let go of Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray. The Sparks were made to regret this decision as first Parker and then Gray went on to clinch championship titles, with Duncan calling it, “one of the biggest front office fails.” The discussion moved to Plum’s free agency and how the Sparks are still recovering from those losses.

Elle chimed in saying, “Absolutely, which is why a lot of people ponder another free agent, Kelsey Plum, if maybe she’ll land there. She’s a San Diego native, so it’ll get her a little bit closer to there. Obviously, you team her up with the young stars they have there, and Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.”

The Sparks finished last season with the WNBA’s worst record but have the tools to be competitive next season. Talented youngsters like Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink will have a lot more to offer and the Sparks also have the No.2 pick in the draft this season. Adding Plum to their ranks will give them a solid foundation to build from.

If this happens, we’re looking at a balanced lineup that’s equal parts experience and rising talent. Plum’s scoring and playmaking skills would mesh beautifully with Jackson’s offensive flair and Brink’s defensive versatility. This is a prospect that will excite Sparks fans. But according to Elle, another team could be in contention for the 30-year-old.

“I keep hearing that the Golden State Valkyries is a place that a lot of players want to go to. They’ve got great facilities. They’ve got a great owner who’s really investing. People love Natalie Nakase. They want to play for her. So maybe the Valkyries is a fit for Kelsey Plum. I mean certainly, she spent time in the Pacific Northwest, going to Washington and coach Nakase was her coach at the Aces.”

Nakase, a former Las Vegas assistant coach, could be eager to build her team around the three-time All-Star. Plum may also relish the opportunity to be reunited with her former coach and be the star of the team after playing alongside three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson. Plum could be the face of the new WNBA franchise, perhaps the boost they need in their debut season.

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However, another possibility is emerging with Seattle Storm’s Jewel Lloyd, who has requested a trade.

Sharing her thoughts on this blockbuster trade, Ari said, “Why not Jewel for Kelsey? Kelsey go back to the state of Washington and Jewel goes to the Aces. Jewel will be able to thrive with an A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young…Though she is a clutch player, the pressure that she has had to deal with in Seattle, being the best player on the floor, like having to carry that weight, if she goes to Aces she plays freely. Kelce gets to have her homecoming back to Washington.”

Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic has also said that a move out of Vegas is likely for Plum, but she sees Seattle as a potential destination, not Golden State. Sharing the same sentiment as the ESPN analysts, she gave her reasoning for a trade between Seattle and Vegas could happen. “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,” she said.

Losing Plum would be a blow for the Aces, given how she was a cornerstone for their back-to-back championship-winning seasons. Last year, she averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.8% from three, as the Aces made the postseason with a 27-13 record.

Members of the Aces team acknowledged her contributions when they paid tribute after Washington retired her jersey. In a video shared by the franchise, A’ja Wilson said, “What’s up KP? Just want to say congratulations on the jersey retirement. You deserve it. You are truly one blessed girl and I’m so happy to be able to call you my teammate. Number 10 up in the rafters forever as it should be.”

So how do the Aces cope with the potential departure of one of their best players? Well, another leading scorer could be in the picture as a potential replacement for Plum.

Chennedy Carter to replace Kelsey Plum?

While all eyes are on where Plum lands, the Aces are quietly preparing for life without one of their core stars. The Chicago Sky’s leading scorer, Chennedy Carter, might be a potential replacement for Plum. And honestly, she’d be a solid fit. 

Carter’s 2024 stats—17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game—show she’s got the goods. Her ability to score in isolation is exactly what the Aces need, especially if they’re looking to fill Plum’s offensive void.

But why is Carter leaving Chicago? For one, the Sky’s focus has shifted to building around rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Also, there’s some locker room drama into the mix, and it’s clear Carter’s days in Chicago are numbered. 

Seerat Sohi of The Ringer weighed in, saying, “The Aces could be an interesting destination for [Carter]. They’re probably going to need a Kelsey Plum replacement. They certainly need a scoring infusion regardless.”

Sohi also praised A’ja Wilson’s leadership, calling her “one of the best, most stabilizing leaders in sports.” That kind of environment could help Carter thrive, especially given her rocky journey in the league. The 26-year-old’s career has had its ups and downs. But her recent performances with the Sky—including snapping a seven-game losing streak—prove she’s still got it.

So, where does that leave us? Well, for now, it’s all up in the air. Will Plum head to the Valkyries, reunite with her Washington roots, or join the Sparks for a California homecoming? And what about Carter? Could she finally find stability with the Aces? At the end of the day, it’s all speculation. So maybe we’d see an entirely unexpected trade. Until then, keep guessing!