“I don’t play women’s basketball, I play basketball.” That mantra has defined Kelsey Plum’s career, driving her to keep pushing forward without looking back. Yet even for a No. 1 draft pick, change can be daunting. Earlier this year, at the start of the WNBA free agency period, a stunning three-team blockbuster trade sent her to the Los Angeles Sparks.

So far, Plum has made the move count. Averaging 20 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds, she has quickly proven her value in L.A. Still, leaving the team she called home for six seasons sparked plenty of curiosity and speculation across the basketball community. Now, the Sparks guard is opening up about the professional ambitions and personal motivations that led to her surprising decision.

This revelation came during the recent Bird’s Eye View podcast with WNBA legend Sue Bird. “Well, I think there are a couple of components. I think that every year you come back and you’re like playing on a great team, you’re willing to sacrifice, do whatever it takes. But I think there’s a point where you start to feel like underappreciated,” said Kelsey Plum, talking about her 2024 season with the Aces.

Plum revealed that her decision to move was driven by both personal and professional factors. On the personal side, she was navigating a difficult divorce from Darren Waller, a tight end for the New York Giants. The two married in March 2023 but filed a joint divorce petition after just one year. Reflecting on that period, she said, “I had to deal with that in the season, which like even to this day, I would say I look back now and one of my most proudest things that I just like played. Like I showed up and played, and I had the best attitude I could cause that was awful.”

Plum credited the Las Vegas Aces for the way they handled her personal situation, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and discretion. She likened the team to a “lock box.” There were many private details that could have leaked, but never did. The ex-Aces guard singled out head coach Becky Hammon and ex-assistant coaches Tyler Marsh and Natalie Nakase. Plum also praised her teammates for creating a safe, respectful environment during a challenging time. Despite all this, another reason forced her to change teams.

Kelsey Plum on Why She Moved From the Aces to the Sparks

Although Plum felt secure and supported by her team, she began sensing that her role was diminishing. Sharing what was going through her mind, she said, “It’s just more feeling that ‘Okay, I’m going to take less money, I want to be here, but I have to take less again?’ And then like, ‘Okay, yeah, I’ll set cross screens and back screens for A’ja [Wilson] all day, no problem.’ But then you start to feel like, ‘Okay, am I becoming the fourth option? And we’re not winning.'”

Her 2024 season with the Aces reflected some of that frustration. In 38 games, she averaged 17.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 0.7 steals. It was also one of the lowest field goal percentage seasons of her career. With personal challenges and professional frustrations piling up, Kelsey Plum realized it was time for a change.

“And I kind of just felt like I needed a fresh start. I need a fresh start personally. I needed a fresh start professionally. And I felt like my growth was kind of capped in Vegas,” she explained. That decision led to a three-team trade involving the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, and Seattle Storm. The deal made history as the first WNBA trade to feature two No. 1 overall picks. Plum was drafted number 1 in 2017, while Jewell Loyd was drafted in 2015. Since landing in Los Angeles, Plum has rediscovered her rhythm and is performing at her peak.