Basketball just got a whole lot brighter in Los Angeles as Kelsey Plum’s blockbuster trade deal was made official. The California native is set to reunite with former teammate, Dearica Hamby, expected to adorn the leadership role for the team and bring the Sparks back into competition. Welcoming her to a is the

When the news broke about Kelsey Plum’s blockbuster trade, Brink took to Instagram to reshare the news. “KP my DAWG,” she wrote with purple and yellow heart emojis while the post featured Plum in Sparks jersey alongside the Stanford alumna and Rickea Jackson.

Hamby too showcased her approval and welcomed her former Aces teammate through an Instagram story featuring her daughter in Plum’s #10 jersey. She added a little red heart beside it. Lexie Brown was another who followed suit. The star guard added hearts in the franchise colors alongside a post announcing the news.

With a powerhouse roster, the Sparks seem poised to dominate the court.

Plum’s highly anticipated homecoming to California has finally become a reality with the completion of a blockbuster multi-team trade. The deal sends the 2x WNBA Champion from the Las Vegas Aces to the Los Angeles Sparks, while Jewell Loyd heads to the Aces and assets are sent to the Seattle Storm.

Despite a slight dip in performance last season, where she averaged 17.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, Plum remains one of the league’s brightest stars. A two-time champion, the veteran guard would bolster the Sparks’ backcourt and provide just the support for a team looking to build around 2024 rookies, Jackson and Brink. Moreover, insider reports suggest that the 3x All-Star wants to stay with the team for the long term.

An Olympic gold medalist, Plum’s presence could greatly elevate the team’s chances of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

On the other side, Jewell Loyd’s arrival in Las Vegas will help fortify the Aces’ roster, bringing a new perimeter threat to pair with MVP A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. The Aces, fresh off their near-three-peat bid, are strengthening their roster in hopes of reclaiming the championship. But they aren’t the only ones benefitting.

Li Yueru’s arrival next to Loyd-Plum

Li Yueru’s arrival in Seattle as part of the huge three-team trade marks an exciting new chapter for both the Storm and the 6-foot-7 center. While much of the attention surrounding the trade has understandably focused and highlighted on the exchange of All-Stars Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum, Yueru’s addition could have a profound impact on Seattle’s future, especially in terms of their frontcourt depth.

The Storm are in a bit of a transition right now, especially with Loyd’s departure opening up cap space and the need to bring in some fresh talent. Enter Li Yueru. The star center could just be the unexpected puzzle piece that fits perfectly next to Ezi Magbegor.

Yueru has the kind of game strength to go up against some of the WNBA’s biggest post players, like Brionna Jones in Connecticut or Brittney Griner in Phoenix. Additionally, the center’s affordability is key for the Storm. Her role, while likely not a starting one immediately, offers Seattle the chance to integrate her gradually into the rotation, possibly earning more minutes as the season progresses.

It seems like a win three ways.