Las Vegas Aces Offseason Update
The Las Vegas Aces have been BUSY this offseason! From major roster shake-ups to coaching hires and some legendary moments for A’ja Wilson, there’s a lot to catch up on. Let’s dive into everything that’s been happening with the defending champs as they gear up for another shot at glory.
Coaching Staff Shake-Up
The Aces didn’t just reload their roster—they made some big moves behind the scenes, too. Three new coaches are stepping in to help keep this squad at the top:
Larry Lewis – Assistant coach with experience from the Lakers and Kings, bringing that NBA-level development expertise.
Ty Ellis – Joined in November 2024, coming in with a strong background in the NBA, G League, and USA Basketball.
John Lucas III – New player development coach, and if his NBA experience is any indicator, expect him to help fine-tune the Aces’ roster into an even scarier force.
Roster Changes: Who’s In, Who’s Out
The Aces made some POWER moves this offseason, shaking up their roster with new talent while saying goodbye to some fan favorites.
New Faces
Jewell Loyd – The Aces landed SIX-TIME All-Star and 2x CHAMP Jewell Loyd in a three-team trade with Seattle and LA. She’s been putting up 22.2 PPG, and now she’s bringing that scoring power to Vegas.
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus – The former Atlanta Dream forward (and 2023 All-Star) is coming in on a training camp deal. If she stays healthy, she’s gonna be a huge asset.
Dana Evans – The former Chicago Sky guard, known for her quick shooting and playmaking, is joining the squad to add depth to the backcourt.
Elena Tsineke - a former Washington Mystics draft pick, joins the Aces training camp roster. The Greek professional basketball player is known for her scoring ability and playmaking skills. Tsineke is a dynamic guard who brings energy, versatility, and a strong offensive presence to the court.
Crystal Bradford: Signed to a training camp contract, the 6-foot forward aims to make a significant impact with her dynamic play. Bradford, a former first-round WNBA draft pick, is known for her athleticism, versatility, and ability to score at all three levels. She brings experience from both the WNBA and international leagues, making her a valuable addition to the Aces' competitive camp roster.
Aces We’re Saying Goodbye To
Kelsey Plum – Yep, it happened. Plum was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks as part of the Jewell Loyd deal.
Alysha Clark – The defensive anchor has signed with the Seattle Storm, returning to the team where she won two rings.
Sydney Colson – The fan-favorite vet is heading to Indiana Fever for a fresh start.
Tiffany Hayes – She’s making history by joining the new WNBA expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries.
Kate Martin – After being selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft, Martin is set to bring her grit and hustle to the new franchise. While she wasn’t a major piece in the Aces' rotation last season, her energy and versatility made her a fan favorite.
A’ja Wilson’s Legendary Year
If there’s one constant in Vegas, it’s that A’ja Wilson stays winning. She’s been racking up milestones like it’s nothing:
Her South Carolina jersey was retired – The Gamecocks made sure No. 22 will never be worn again.
She’s getting her own Nike signature shoe – A’ja teased it, and the hype is REAL. The release is coming soon.
She’s repping Team USA at the Olympics – Wilson was officially named to the USA Basketball Women’s National Team for the upcoming Olympic Games. She was also named 2024 USA Basketball 5-on-5 Female Athlete of the Year.
WNBA Player of the Year – Adding another trophy to her already stacked resume, A’ja was named the league’s Player of the Year for her dominance on both ends of the court.
What’s Next for the Aces?
With Jewell Loyd stepping in to replace Plum, new coaching additions, and A’ja continuing to dominate, the Aces are looking scary heading into 2025. Sure, losing Plum, Clark, and Martin stings, but Vegas isn’t slowing down.
Training camp is right around the corner, and with all these changes, there’s gonna be some serious competition for roster spots. The Aces are still the team to beat now it’s just a matter of seeing how all the new pieces fit together.
One thing’s for sure: this season is gonna be wild.
Stay tuned for more updates from Her Game Network we’ve got all the latest on the Aces, the WNBA, and beyond!