NEWS UPDATE : WNBA Insider Notes Two Teams as ‘Intriguing’ Kelsey Plum Free Agent Landing Spots

WNBA Insider Notes: Two Intriguing Kelsey Plum Free Agent Landing Spots

As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, the spotlight is shining on several key players who are set to become free agents, with the biggest names likely to cause waves across the league. Among them, Kelsey Plum, one of the most dynamic and electrifying guards in the WNBA, is positioned to make a significant impact this offseason. Plum, who is an essential member of the Las Vegas Aces, is set to enter unrestricted free agency, and the speculation surrounding her next move is already creating buzz. As a player with elite scoring ability, impressive playmaking skills, and a well-rounded game, Plum’s free agency could shift the balance of power in the league.

While her current team, the Aces, remain one of the most dominant franchises in the WNBA, several other teams will undoubtedly be looking to acquire her services. With her exceptional skill set and leadership, Plum could make a difference wherever she lands. Let’s take a look at two of the most intriguing landing spots for the former No. 1 overall pick and discuss why these teams could be the best fit for her as she potentially leaves the Aces.

1. New York Liberty: The Superstar Destination

The New York Liberty are one of the most high-profile teams in the WNBA right now, with their aggressive pursuit of top talent and impressive roster featuring several stars. The Liberty made a big splash last year by bringing in former MVP Breanna Stewart and veteran All-Star Courtney Vandersloot, forming one of the league’s most potent lineups. However, despite their success and being one of the favorites to contend for a championship, New York’s championship aspirations were cut short in 2024, falling to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals. This year, the Liberty will look to retool and improve their roster to close the gap between themselves and the Aces.

Plum’s potential arrival in New York could put the Liberty in a position to finally overtake the Aces as the top team in the league. Here’s why:

• Offensive Firepower: Kelsey Plum is known for her incredible scoring ability, whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting long-range threes, or getting to the free-throw line. New York already boasts one of the league’s top offenses, with players like Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu in the fold. Adding Plum to that mix would provide another elite scorer who can create her own shot, relieving pressure off the likes of Stewart and Ionescu. Plum’s ability to run the pick-and-roll, as well as her proficiency in the open court, would be a huge asset to New York’s offensive scheme.
• Playmaking and Leadership: While Plum is known for her scoring, she is also a capable playmaker, averaging 4.2 assists per game during the 2024 season. This complements Ionescu’s playmaking skills and provides New York with more options to distribute the ball and make quick decisions in high-pressure moments. Plum’s leadership, having won a championship with Las Vegas, would also bring a winning mentality and veteran presence to a team that is still seeking its first WNBA title.
• Defensive Capabilities: In addition to her offensive skills, Plum is a solid defender who can guard multiple positions. Her tenacity and competitive nature would mesh well with New York’s defensive strategy, which is one of the league’s best. Combining her with Ionescu and Stewart would give the Liberty one of the most complete rosters in terms of both offense and defense.
• Championship Contention: The Liberty are already positioned to be contenders, but adding Plum could elevate them to another level. The rivalry between New York and Las Vegas is already electric, and adding Plum to New York would make this matchup even more intense. The Liberty would likely become one of the favorites to win the title, as they would boast arguably the deepest roster in the WNBA with a blend of scoring, playmaking, and defense.

If the Liberty were to convince Plum to make the move from the Aces to the Big Apple, they would be signaling their intent to dethrone the reigning champions. New York has the cap space and the resources to make a strong pitch to Plum, and this potential move would be a major power shift in the WNBA.

2. Chicago Sky: A Rebuild with Championship Aspirations

While the New York Liberty present a ready-made contender for Kelsey Plum, another intriguing option would be the Chicago Sky. Chicago has been in a rebuilding phase since their 2021 WNBA championship, and although the team has shown flashes of potential, they have yet to return to the top of the league. However, the Sky have a rich history of success and a strong fan base, which could make them an enticing destination for Plum as she seeks to challenge for titles while taking on a leadership role with a new franchise.

Here’s why Chicago could be a great fit for Plum:

• A New Era: After a difficult 2024 season, the Sky have undergone a rebuilding process, making several moves to shift the team’s direction. With a fresh core led by young talents like Kahleah Copper and 2024 draft picks, Chicago could look to add a player with the experience and skill of Plum to accelerate their progress. The presence of an experienced player like Plum would help Chicago’s young core develop, while also providing immediate leadership on the floor.
• High-Scoring Duo with Kahleah Copper: The Sky already have one of the most dynamic and talented wings in the league in Kahleah Copper, a player who has shown the ability to score at a high rate. Pairing Plum with Copper could form one of the most potent scoring duos in the WNBA. Copper’s athleticism and driving ability complement Plum’s perimeter scoring and court vision, which could make the Sky a nightmare for opposing defenses.
• Opportunity for Leadership and Growth: While the Liberty and Aces are already loaded with talent, joining the Sky would offer Plum the opportunity to take on a leadership role and shape the team’s future. She would be the unquestioned focal point of the offense, giving her the chance to be both the primary scorer and a playmaker. For a player who has already won a championship and proved herself at the highest level, taking on the responsibility of leading a team in transition could be a rewarding challenge.
• Team’s Cap Space: The Sky’s rebuild puts them in a favorable position from a financial perspective. They have the cap space necessary to pursue a top-tier free agent like Plum, which would allow them to build around her and the young talent they already have. Bringing Plum into the fold could also serve as a recruiting tool to attract other stars, setting the stage for a quicker turnaround back to championship contention.
• Long-Term Potential: While the Sky may not be the immediate favorite to win a championship, the long-term prospects of adding a player like Plum would make Chicago a serious contender in the years to come. Plum would help elevate the team in the short term, and as the Sky continue to build and develop their young players, they would have the foundation to challenge for titles in the near future.

While New York is a more established contender, Chicago presents a more unique opportunity for Plum to carve out her own legacy. If she is looking for a team where she can truly make her mark and help guide a young squad back to prominence, Chicago could be the perfect landing spot.

Conclusion

1. Kelsey Plum’s free agency is one of the most highly anticipated events of the 2025 WNBA offseason. Whether she decides to join a championship contender like the New York Liberty or take on a leadership role with a rebuilding team like the Chicago Sky, her decision will have a major impact on the league’s balance of power. Plum has the ability to elevate any team she joins, and her decision will likely shape the WNBA landscape for years to come. Both the Liberty and the Sky offer intriguing possibilities for Plum, and whichever team she chooses could gain one of the league’s brightest stars.