The Las Vegas Aces suffered a defeat in Game 4 of their semifinals series against the New York Liberty, ending with a final score of 76-62 on Sunday. This loss marked the end of the Aces’ championship streak at two, having won the WNBA Finals in 2020 and 2021. On the other hand, the Liberty advanced to compete for a championship after winning the series in four games. The Aces will now shift their focus to the offseason.
Despite the loss, the Aces still boast a talented team led by A’ja Wilson, providing them with a competitive edge. However, it’s possible that they may lose some key players during the upcoming offseason.
Let’s explore three players who may not return to Las Vegas for the 2025 season.
At 37 years old, Clark will enter free agency and may contemplate retirement. If she decides to continue playing, there’s no guarantee of a reunion with the Aces.
Las Vegas is looking ahead to the future, and while they may not undergo a complete rebuild given their strong roster, a departure between Clark and the Aces is a possibility.
Despite her age, Clark’s experience and skill set make her an attractive option for contending teams or those in need of veteran leadership for young talent. She is likely to receive interest in free agency if she chooses not to retire.
As the 2024 Sixth Player of the Year, Hayes had a stellar season for the Aces off the bench, making her a desirable free agent. However, the Aces may hesitate to meet competitors’ contract offers, potentially resulting in Hayes leaving in free agency.
A possible roster improvement may lead to the Aces parting ways with Hayes in favor of adding another star player, complicating her contract negotiations in free agency.
Plum, a three-time All-Star, is anticipated to be a top free agent target in the offseason. While a reunion with the Aces could happen, Plum’s lack of contract extension alongside other key players may result in her exploring other opportunities.
With a desire to win and potentially become a franchise player, Plum may be inclined to seek a new team in free agency. The Aces’ salary cap constraints could also impact their ability to match offers from other teams.
While there’s a chance that Kelsey Plum could stay with the Aces, a move to a different team next season wouldn’t be unexpected.
