The Las Vegas Aces had formed a strong base when they hired Natalie Nakase in 2022. Behind the team’s two consecutive Championship titles, was a group of experts working tirelessly day and night to provide the perfect conditions to the athletes. However, after the playoff exit, Nakase announced her departure to land an opportunity at the Golden State Valkyries as head coach. After 2 weeks, the Becky Hammon-led team let go of another major stalwart, this time someone who was in the executive position.

On Saturday, sports reporter Callie Fin announced that the Las Vegas-based team is not renewing the contract of their general manager Natalie Williams, which they describe as restructuring of the team. Williams, in an emotional note, thanked the organization for two splendid years, also recounting the two back-to-back titles she won with the team.

“It’s been a joy and honor to serve as the General Manager of the Las Vegas Aces. Winning two WNBA Championships with this incredible group of players and staff has been a dream come true. I want to thank Mark Davis and the Aces organization for the incredible opportunity to lead this franchise. I love the WNBA, and it has been wonderful watching the growth of the game. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead,” Williams stated.

Williams was hired in 2022 by the Aces President Nikki Fargas. She was not only the general manager but had been a part of the Aces at the time when the franchise was called the Utah Starzz. She was drafted as the third overall pick in 1999. Though she could only ply her trade for the Starzz till 2002, Williams returned to lead the Aces, 20 years later, this time in the capacity of a general manager in April 2022.

During her tenure, the Aces clinched two WNBA titles, which can be regarded as the two most important things she did in her short tenure. Her time saw head coach Becky Hammon in full swing, who gave the leadership to A’ja Wilson and formed a team around her. However, this season was a little disappointing for the Aces as they couldn’t accomplish their dream of a three-peat, losing to their rivals NY Liberty during the semifinal series. And if rumors are to be believed then even Hammon could be spending her last days in Vegas.

As Williams’ contract hasn’t been renewed, a lot of people opine that these could be Hammon’s last days. One X user pointed out that GMs usually bring their own coaches to the franchises. And that is when Fin intervened. Fin pointed out that Hammon was selected four months before Williams and hence the Las Vegas franchise might be continuing with Hammon, despite her former assistant Nakase also leaving the group.

Natalie Nakase gets to the Golden State Valkyries

Nakase had joined as the assistant coach in 2022 along with Hammon. The two share a deep bond and when Nakase decided to part ways with the Aces, the 47-year-old decided to pen an emotional note to Nakase. She acknowledged that Nakase had got what she deserved and now instead of being her assistant, she was her peer.

“From one Head Coach to another 🤝🫶” by the Aces’ X account, Hammon says to Nakase, “Natalie has played a huge role in our Aces success over the last three years. Her bright mind, relentless work ethic, and ability to build relationships with our players has had a lasting impact on not just our organization but also throughout the Las Vegas community! We wish her the best in her next great opportunity as the 1st Head Coach of the Golden State Valkyries!,”  Hammon stated.

Nakase was the head coach at one point in time with the Saitama Broncos from 2011-12, becoming the first woman coach to lead a professional men’s basketball franchise in Japan. Then she also worked for some time with the Clippers. Hence, she was only waiting for an opportunity to show her talent in the W, which she got after the Valkyries started their operations as the expansion franchise in the W.

And now after Nakase, Williams will also not stay with the Aces. Though her next steps are not known, it remains to be seen how Hammon will make up for these losses, and power the Aces to their third title next season.