The first big domino in WNBA trades has fallen. With three teams involved, Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum have new homes. After being with their teams, Storm and Aces, respectively, throughout their entire career, 2025 will be about a new chapter. Now the only question remains, who got the better deal with this trade? And CBS Sports WNBA analysts seem to think that the Las Vegas team might have an edge.

“Jewell Loyd again has a very similar skill set in a lot of ways to Kelsey Plum. I think of players that can play that number two guard in particular maybe have the ball in their hands a time or two. Erica Ayala on the CBS Sports YouTube channel continued why the 6x WNBA All-Star has an edge. “But with Jewell Loyd, her execution from the corner is lethal.” The 2x WNBA Champion is known for her shooting and that’s why she even has the 2023 scoring title to her name.

Even though last year was a dip in her numbers, she would average 19.7 points per game. Ayala also revealed that the latest Aces player has left those behind. The analyst stated, “She is having a phenomenal time in Miami. I mean winter Miami, who wouldn’t love it? But I think also it’s been an opportunity for her again similarly to reset. She told me that she’s ‘finding joy in the game again on the court again.'”

Not to forget, she was part of the Olympic Gold medal-winning team alongside three other Aces players: Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young. Just as a new environment would benefit Loyd, similarity it will benefit the newest Sparks recruit, Kelsey Plum.

Firstly, being from California will help her be closer to home. Secondly, alongside last year’s top-draft picks Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson and former Aces teammate, Dearica Hamby, she will be the franchise’s new face. With Hamby being in the mix for MIP in 2024 and Brink coming back after a long injury, it might be the season where Sparks truly lights up the fanbase.

Kelsey Plum’s addition met with a positive response

Before the Washington Huskies alum moved to the Sparks, there were reports of her joining the newest franchise. The Valkyries were also interested in making the 2021 Sixth Woman of the Year the new face of the franchise. Which would have meant a reunion with Coach Natalie Nakase and former rookie Kate Martin. But those offers seemingly fell short with a return to home.

Last season, the Los Angeles team ended with a league worse 8-32 record. The addition of Kelsey Plum certainly provides much-needed positivity. Brink took to Instagram, to share her excitement over the news. “KP my DAWG,” alongside purple and yellow heart emojis.  Hamby too showcased her approval and welcomed her former Aces teammate through an Instagram story featuring her daughter in Plum’s #10 jersey. She added a little red heart beside it.

Lexie Brown was another Sparks player who followed suit. The star guard added hearts in the franchise colors alongside a post announcing the news. It seems both fans and players are on board with Kelsey Plum’s return-to-home idea. But how quickly will she turn the tide of the franchise? Only time will tell.