Expansion Draft dilemma threatens to doom Aces to a familiar fate

When it comes to the Expansion Draft, most of the Las Vegas Aces’ players that will be protected should pick themselves. However, the fifth and final spot is a topic of debate. Aaliyah Nye showed glimpses of the impressive role player she can become for the Aces during her rookie campaign. Still, the reigning WNBA champions could favour Kierstan Bell after her postseason utilisation.

Bell made 12 postseason appearances for Las Vegas, averaging 2.4 points and one rebound in around 10 minutes on the floor. In comparison, Nye appeared in just six matchups over the same run of games, registering just 0.3 rebounds per game and no other statline. Of course, the rookie spent fewer minutes on the floor, around three minutes during each appearance.

If these numbers are any indication of their priorities during the Expansion Draft, then Aces fans would be right to assume that it will be Nye who will be available for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire to poach much like Kate Martin was in the expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries, while Bell will continue to develop her skills amongst a roster that is blessed with talent.

Which players should the Aces protect for the 2026 Expansion Draft?

A’ja Wilson: Many decisions in life can be made with the help of a pros and cons list, not in this instance. The Las Vegas front office will certainly retain the current WNBA MVP and do everything in its power to make sure one of the greatest players to grace a basketball court will put pen to paper on a deal that will retain her services for the foreseeable future. This is an absolute no-brainer.

Jackie Young: Again, as a player who has helped create a winning culture inside a franchise that has dominated the league over recent years, Jackie Young will not be allowed to leave Las Vegas. Young has established a devastating bond with Wilson over several years, and opposing teams still cannot fathom how to contain this pairing.

Chelsea Gray: Another essential part of the unstoppable Aces core, Chelsea Gray may be considered a veteran presence in the dressing room, but she still showcases an immense level of playmaking and defensive nous that makes her an integral cog in head coach Becky Hammon’s blueprint.

NaLyssa Smith: The Las Vegas Aces had been written off after their stuttering start to the 2025 WNBA campaign, but that was until NaLyssa Smith arrived in a trade from the Dallas Wings, sparking the franchise’s assault on the championship into life. Not only did Smith alleviate the rebounding pressure that Wilson was under, but she also brought a two-way presence in the paint, which made the Aces’ offense more fluid.

Kierstan Bell: Las Vegas’ 11th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Bell, has contributed positively during any opportunity presented to her throughout her career—Something that Hammon has clearly taken note of over the years. Hence, why Bell was utilised on more occasions than the rest of the roster during the team’s postseason run, including Aaliyah Nye.

Protecting this group of players would leave Nye available to be poached by the Tempo and Fire, alongside Dana Evans, Megan Gustafson, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and Kiah Stokes. Jewell Lloyd is not eligible to be selected in the 2026 Expansion Draft.