Deja Kelly exploded for 15 points in 13 minutes off the bench on May 6 as the eyes of the WNBA world bulged. The undrafted rookie drilled a midrange jumper with under five seconds remaining to lead the Las Vegas Aces to an 85-84 victory over the Phoenix Mercury that day.
The shot, splashed through on a single dribble move, was captured in real time by Kelly’s own social feed, and fans took it as the final proof she belonged on the roster. Kelly’s two preseason contests totaled just 20 minutes on the floor, but what she did with that time was spectacular.
Over those 20 minutes, she poured in 24 points (1.2 points per minute), dished out three assists, and committed only three turnovers. So, when the Aces waived Kelly on May 12, the stunning decision sent ripples of outrage across social media.
Kelly had earned a training-camp invite, delivered a game-winning bucket, and posted eye-popping per-minute numbers, only to see her spot on the roster vanish.
Social Media Erupts After Las Vegas Aces Waive Deja Kelly
Las Vegas waived Kelly on May 12, via a terse “roster update” announcement on social media. The decision came just days before the Aces were set to open the 2025 WNBA season on the road in New York, leaving diehard basketball fans confused and reeling.
How could a player who had arguably been the team’s best story of the preseason be jettisoned?
Head coach Becky Hammon had cautioned that “tough choices” lay ahead despite Kelly’s heroics—a nod to the Aces’ logjam of guards. Indeed, Las Vegas already had six veteran guards on protected contracts—A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd, Kierstan Bell, and Dana Evans.
Still, social media users voiced near-universal outrage. One fan (@wsgadlibs) posted a side-by-side comparison of Kelly’s 75% shooting and perfect free-throw rate to that of Bell—a clear message that Kelly had outshone her peers.
On Instagram, one fan expressed frustration over the latest announcement and wrote, “This is outrageous.”
Another Instagram user fumed, “She came undrafted, she saved a game, she played great with great energy on the bench and now waived??? WNBA this is insane.”
A third added, “This is gonna be the worst cut of the season I fear.. there’s no one more deserving of a roster spot. @dejakelly I can’t wait to see who picks her up so I can be her biggest fan!”
Further comments poured in on Instagram, such as, “Next time don’t even enter the draft, got two great picks, sad,” and “I don’t understand WNBA” plastered the post linked to the May 12 waiver announcement (Instagram via @wcollegehoops).
X posts saw similar fury, with users calling the move “ridiculous.” One fan tweeted, “But we’re still handcuffed with KB…Deja didn’t deserve this man.”
What’s Next for Waived Aces Player?
Under WNBA rules, players must clear waivers within 48 hours which means a new opportunity could emerge as early as midweek. Kelly’s blend of scoring and poise in late-game situations makes her a coveted asset for teams seeking guard depth.
The Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics loom as logical landing spots, given both clubs’ search for explosive backcourt contributors.
In six short preseason minutes, Kelly reshaped expectations while winning over a fanbase primed for drama. Yet, in the ruthless calculus of pro sports, her time in Vegas ended as abruptly as it began. As the regular season dawns, Kelly’s next chapter may prove even more compelling than her unforgettable debut.