Tag: AJA

January 21 was an important day. February 1 is going to be even more crucial. Why you ask? Well, Las Vegas Ace’ Kelsey Plum will finally end months of speculations to reveal her future in free agency. Evidently, the team has tried every method possible to convince the 30-year-old, including extending Plum a core qualifying offer (one-year guaranteed deal with a salary equal to the current supermax, which is $249,244 for 2025). But that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s staying put. While many assumed A’ja Wilson would naturally be the primary scorer in Plum’s absence, it seems there could be a top-tier replacement ready already. But before we get to that…

The dominant emotion in the WNBA landscape all reports toward Plum leaving. “It does seem like the most likely scenario is that Kelsey Plum would move on from the Aces,” Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Callie Fin had said on January 13. The Athletic’s WNBA reporter Sabreena Merchant had opined in January 21, “Kelsey Plum is the first member of the Aces’ core four to hit unrestricted free agency rather than sign an extension during this current era in Las Vegas. The indications are that Plum wants a fresh start, and that could come in Seattle, close to Plum’s college stomping grounds at Washington.”

Looks like the Aces will have to prepare for the worst. And that shining light, as per many, will be none other than Chicago Sky’s leading scorer, Chennedy Carter.

Despite Carter’s impressive stats last season—17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game—her future with the Chicago Sky is murky. Her ability to score in isolation was undeniably valuable, but it didn’t mesh with the Sky’s attempts to build an offense around rookie stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

Then there’s the locker room factor. According to multiple sources, some Sky players were unhappy with Carter’s behavior behind the scenes. So, where could Carter land? Contributor for The Athletic, Seerat Sohi suggested on The Ringer WNBA Show podcast on January 22, “The Aces could be an interesting destination for [Carter].”  She pointed to the team’s established culture and leadership—especially Wilson, whom she called “one of the best, most stabilizing leaders in sports.”

According to the reporter, the Aces need a scoring infusion, especially if Plum leaves, and Carter could be just what they’re looking for. “They’re probably going to need a Kelsey Plum replacement. They certainly need a scoring infusion regardless,” the Ringer’s reporter further said.  

As for Plum, while the core qualifying offer gives the Aces exclusive negotiation rights, it doesn’t guarantee she’ll stay. The team could still trade her, and if the rumors are true, Plum might be eyeing a new start elsewhere. And this could be a big blow for LV Aces. Despite her personal struggles, the guard has averaged just under 19 points per outing and 4.6 assists per game over the past three seasons.

She is a talented guard capable of playing a pivotal role on offense. Although her void will be felt, the 26-year-old guard could be a good replacement. The No. 4 pick in the 2020 WNBA draft had a strong rookie season, averaging 17.4 points and earning All-Rookie honors. However, her career hit a rough patch after a suspension in 2021 for poor conduct.

She was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks but struggled with limited starts before being waived in 2023. After a year without a team, Carter signed with the Chicago Sky on a one-year deal. Her performances earned praise, and she played a key role in snapping the Sky’s seven-game losing streak after returning from injury. So even after all the lost time, she still has that ‘X’ factor.

Meanwhile, if Carter replaces Plum, where could Plum go?

Experts predict A’ja Wilson’s teammate might go to Golden State

ESPN WNBA reporter Kevin Pelton believes Plum could be heading to the Golden State Valkyries. In a January 10 article, Pelton predicted that the Valkyries would trade a package, including the No. 5 pick, to bring Plum in as the face of their new franchise. “The Valkyries trade a package including the No. 5 pick to land Plum as the face of the franchise—reuniting her with former Aces assistant coach Nakase, now Golden State’s head coach,” he wrote.

For the Valkyries, landing a star like Plum would be a massive win. They’re entering their first season and need a player who can draw attention, attract other big names, and help establish their identity. Plum fits the bill perfectly. Not only is she one of the league’s top playmakers, but she also has ties to Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and player Kate Martin.

And averaging 17.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this past season, she could power their offense. Even Carter is also predicted to end up in Valkyries but Sohi doubts. The podcaster pointed out, that it’s a risky move for a brand-new franchise. 

“The Athletic today predicted that she’d end up with the Valkyries. I think that’s probably too big of a risk for a franchise that is in its first season. I think it’s a lot to put on Natalie Nakase’s plate immediately. I’m not sure she necessarily fits there,” she said.

So, could Chennedy Carter actually replace Kelsey Plum in Las Vegas? Or go to GS? And where is Plum heading to? We will find out soon. But undoubtedly, both Carter and Plum remain among the league’s elite players. Whoever gets them will be incredibly lucky. Now it’s just a matter of seeing where the chips fall.