This is a DISASTER for the Aces! – Losing this Means…

The Las Vegas Aces—the reigning two-time WNBA champions—are staring down a crisis that could derail their championship aspirations. Star guard Kelsey Plum, one of the cornerstones of the team’s success, is reportedly on her way out, and the ramifications for the Aces are dire. According to insider sources, Plum declined an extension offered by the team and has been working with the organization to find a mutually beneficial exit.

Plum, a two-time champion, three-time All-Star, and former All-Star MVP, has been a critical piece of the Aces’ dynasty. Despite a rocky start to her career, she has evolved into one of the league’s premier guards, averaging 17.8 points per game last season while maintaining a 42% shooting efficiency. However, reports indicate that Plum has had a difficult personal year and is prioritizing time for herself, which could be influencing her decision to move on.

Insiders suggest that Plum’s departure is not driven by basketball reasons. This is a stark contrast to players like Brianna Stewart and Satou Sabally, whose free agency moves were more straightforward. Instead, this seems to be a personal decision, further complicated by the fact that the Aces are unlikely to get equal value in any potential trade.

Without Kelsey Plum, the Aces face a monumental challenge in maintaining their dominance. The team’s core—A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray—was already showing signs of wear and tear last season. Chelsea Gray, in particular, has struggled with injuries, and her performance has been declining. The rest of the roster is aging, with key veterans like Alicia Clark and Tiffany Hayes approaching retirement age.

The Aces’ depth has been a question mark, and Plum’s departure would further expose this weakness. While players like Sydney Colson and Kia Stokes have been reliable role players, they are not equipped to fill the void left by a player of Plum’s caliber. The loss of her dynamic scoring and defensive pestiness would leave a gaping hole in both the Aces’ backcourt and their title hopes.

The most discussed trade possibility is a swap involving Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever. However, even this scenario presents challenges. Mitchell is an excellent scorer, but her style of play may not seamlessly integrate into Becky Hammon’s system. Another rumored trade involves players like Stefanie Dolson and Ariel Atkins, but these proposals lack the star power to keep the Aces competitive at the highest level.

If the Aces lose Kelsey Plum, their chances of securing a third consecutive championship drop dramatically. The team’s aging roster and diminishing depth make it unlikely that they can adequately replace her contributions. While A’ja Wilson remains one of the best players in the league, even her dominance may not be enough to carry this team without significant reinforcements.

The Aces have built a dynasty, but dynasties don’t last forever. The potential loss of Kelsey Plum could mark the beginning of the end for Las Vegas’s reign at the top of the WNBA.