Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Kelsey Plum and Satou Sabally have been the focus of numerous trade talks this WNBA offseason. The latest report by Callie Fin of the Las Vegas Review Journal suggests that Plum could be playing for a new team next season.
On Monday’s episode of NBC Sports show “On her Turf,” Fin joined hosts Natalie Esquire and Terrika Foster-Brasby, suggesting that Plum would want to move on from the Aces. She also revealed that the seven-year pro declined to sign the team’s extension offer.
“It does seem like the most likely scenario that Kesley Plum would move on from the Aces,” Fin said. “She did not sign an extension and former general manager Natalie Williams told me before she and the Aces parted ways that Kelsey was offered an extension and declined.”
Hinting at Plum’s troublesome season last year, Fin said that speaking directly to her about her future plans is out of the question, but everything else points to her wanting to leave Las Vegas. The insider also said that the two-time WNBA champion’s situation was similar to that of Sabally’s.
“When it comes to something like Kelsey Plum, she is coming off a difficult personal year and she has emphasized that she wants to take time for herself, which is why she said that she pulled out of Unrivaled,” Fin said.
“So, we’re not in a position to ask her directly, and that would be the best indicator here. But of course, you mentioned my reporting, I can pull and cite a few quotes that imply that… the Aces are working to find a situation where ‘everybody’s happy’… in regards to Kelsey Plum’s situation,” the insider added.
Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Plum was the first-overall pick of the 2017 WNBA Draft, selected by the San Antonio Stars. A year later, the team moved to Las Vegas and rebranded themselves as the Aces.
In line with Plum’s apparent exit, reports have been circulating about teams wanting to acquire her, including the latest league expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries.
Kelsey Plum reveals why she pulled out of Unrivaled
Kelsey Plum was supposed to play in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled League this month, until she decided to back out in the last week of November last year. The three-time WNBA All-Star made the announcement on Instagram, citing personal reasons.
Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) smiles during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
In her Instagram story, Plum said that she decided to pull out from the tournament because she needed to take some time off for herself in the offseason.
“I’ve decided to not take part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled in order to take some more time for myself this offseason,” Plum wrote. “I appreciate the league understanding and being so accommodating. I wish the league and all of the players nothing but the best and I’m excited to watch!”
A month after Plum announced her stepping out of Unrivaled, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu signed with the league to fill her spot.
Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Lindsay Allen (15) during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.