The Aces are making an obvious move for Kelsey Plum as free agency approaches

The Las Vegas Aces were forced to surrender their throne last season after falling to the eventual WNBA champion New York Liberty in the semifinals. They’re on a mission to reclaim the sport’s crown, but before it can properly begin, head coach Becky Hammon and company must get through a crucial free agency period. Keeping Kelsey Plum is probably the #1 priority, and the organization is taking steps to potentially do just that.

They are aces setting the “core” player tag on the two-time champion and three-time All-Star, according to Callie Finn of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. For now, Plum has a one-year deal worth $249,244. She can still try to find another team via a sign-and-trade, but the Aces at least guarantee themselves a chance to get value in return.

Will the Aces and Kelsey Plum be on the same page in 2025?

The offseason is set to ramp up in the coming weeks, with free agency talks starting on January 21st. Players can then officially sign after February 1st. There are more stars available on the open market, but Plum is sure to draw interest from the league. The 30-year-old guard posted 17.8 points and 4.2 assists while ranking third in three-pointers in the WNBA. When the 2025 season begins, she will be just three years removed from finishing third in MVP voting. Plum remains the undisputed difference maker.

While the Aces can still count on superstars A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray to keep them in the title race, replacing a high scorer is never an easy task. Liberty Championship 2024 does not necessarily mark the end of the Las Vegas empire. But Plum’s departure could.

Becky Hammon and the rest of the team will be in winning mode as long as three-time MVP Wilson is on the roster, no matter what happens this winter. However, their ability to display that mindset on the pitch could be far more difficult if the No.10 is playing elsewhere. Let the suspense begin.

Alec House is a sports journalist covering the NFL, NBA and MLB for ClutchPoints, providing a unique writing voice due to his deep knowledge of New York sports. Alex lives in Connecticut after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in journalism.