Kelsey Plum’s departure from the Las Vegas Aces and subsequent arrival in the Los Angeles Sparks have been marked by gratitude and a heartfelt closing of one chapter before unlocking another.
Before the ink even dried on her jersey, her move from Aces to Sparks ignited a whirlwind of intrigue. Was it friction behind closed doors, a daring bid for a fresh start, or simply the next logical step in her storied career?
Between three-team trade mechanics, viral social-media soundbites, and high-stakes preseason showdowns, Plum has been meticulous in setting the record straight.
Rather than drama, her narrative is one of gratitude and growth—an affirmation that, though seven seasons in Vegas came to an abrupt close, her respect for former teammates remains steadfast and her ambitions for the Sparks burn brighter than ever.
Kelsey Plum Breaks Her Silence on Joining the Sparks
Plum’s seven-year stay with the Aces started when the team was still called the San Antonio Stars and ended in consecutive WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.
Although she was termed a “core player” by Las Vegas, meaning that any move needed her approval, she sought out a change of venue herself, finding herself in Los Angeles as part of a landmark three-team deal involving the Seattle Storm and the Sparks.
Early in February, the agreement was finalized, closing what most saw as one of the most ornamented stretches by a guard in team history.
Speculation in the media arose regarding whether Plum’s departure was a result of internal strife or frustration with her position.
On May 12, speaking with reporters in Los Angeles, Plum dispelled those conjectures outright: “I’m forever grateful for my time in Vegas. There’s no animosity or ill will. It was time for me to grow. That’s why I took a leap of faith. It’s just time for a new chapter in my life—personally and professionally.”
“I think we should cut that narrative, because there is no narrative there,” she added, setting the record straight on any perceived drama.
As a three-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, her leverage was evident when she signed off on the Sparks as her preferred landing spot, a decision that also reunited her with former teammate Dearica Hamby.
“Everything starts and ends with a vision. What really drew me was the vision of what coach sees for this franchise. They understand the previous success in championships,” Plum clarified on moving to Los Angeles.
While Aces retains a formidable roster—anchored by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young—the Sparks have positioned themselves for a renaissance. Los Angeles sacrificed its No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft to acquire Plum, but gained a player whose averages in the last three seasons (18.9 points and 4.6 assists per game) place her among the league’s most efficient guards.
Kelsey Plum’s candid reflections affirmed her respect and gratitude toward the Aces. Furthermore, she dismantled any rumors of bad blood.
The stage is set for a high-stakes reunion when the Sparks will lock horns with the Aces on May 30. Beyond the final score, the matchup will serve as the first public barometer of how Plum’s vision for her new squad holds up against her former team’s championship continuity.