When examining possible trade scenarios for prominent WNBA players such as Jewell Loyd, Satou Sabally, and Kelsey Plum, it’s important to analyze the needs of both the players and their potential new teams. Trades in the WNBA often consider factors like team fit, salary cap, positional needs, and the overall strategy of the franchise. Each of these players brings a unique skill set that could benefit multiple teams across the league, depending on their goals—whether it’s championship contention or rebuilding. Below is an analysis of potential trade scenarios for Jewell Loyd, Satou Sabally, and Kelsey Plum.
Jewell Loyd: Offensive Superstar with Defensive Versatility
Jewell Loyd, a dynamic guard for the Seattle Storm, has consistently demonstrated why she’s considered one of the best players in the league. As a scoring guard, she has an exceptional ability to drive to the basket, hit mid-range jumpers, and stretch the floor with her three-point shooting. In addition to her offensive game, Loyd is an adept defender, using her quickness and agility to disrupt opposing offenses.
Potential Trade Partners for Jewell Loyd
- New York Liberty
- The Liberty are one of the most stacked teams in the league, but a trade for Loyd could elevate them to a near-unbeatable level, especially if they look to trade some of their future assets. The Liberty could offer a mix of established players, such as a player like Natasha Howard, and draft picks. Adding Loyd would give the Liberty another elite scorer and a guard who can help distribute the ball alongside Sabrina Ionescu.
- Trade Proposal: Jewell Loyd for Natasha Howard and two first-round draft picks.
- Dallas Wings
- The Wings already boast a talented roster with young stars like Satou Sabally, Arike Ogunbowale, and a promising draft pick in the 2025 draft. However, they are missing that extra piece to elevate their offensive and defensive prowess. A trade for Loyd would give them a proven leader who could complement Ogunbowale’s scoring and Sabally’s versatility.
- Trade Proposal: Jewell Loyd for Marina Mabrey, Ty Harris, and a 2025 first-round pick.
- Chicago Sky
- The Chicago Sky have been a competitive team for several seasons but could benefit from a player like Loyd, especially in terms of scoring and creating offense. Pairing Loyd with Kahleah Copper and Azura Stevens would give the Sky the firepower to contend with the league’s top teams. The Sky would likely need to part with some valuable players and picks to secure Loyd.
- Trade Proposal: Jewell Loyd for Courtney Vandersloot and a 2025 first-round pick.
Satou Sabally: A Versatile Forward with Two-Way Potential
Satou Sabally is one of the most versatile players in the league, able to play multiple positions and contribute both offensively and defensively. With a 6’4” frame, Sabally can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor with her shooting, and drive to the basket with ease. She has become a key piece for the Dallas Wings, and any trade involving her would require a team to give up significant assets.
Potential Trade Partners for Satou Sabally
- Las Vegas Aces
- The Aces are already the most dominant team in the league, but adding a player of Sabally’s caliber could push them over the top, especially if they aim to win more titles in the near future. Sabally’s versatility would mesh well with A’ja Wilson and the Aces’ high-powered offense. The Aces may look to trade some of their depth pieces in exchange for a player who could become a long-term contributor.
- Trade Proposal: Satou Sabally for Kiah Stokes, Dearica Hamby, and a 2025 second-round pick.
- Phoenix Mercury
- The Mercury have a seasoned core in Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Skylar Diggins-Smith, but adding a young talent like Sabally could inject new energy into their roster. Sabally’s ability to play both forward positions would give Phoenix more flexibility, especially if they want to improve their defense and rebounding.
- Trade Proposal: Satou Sabally for Sophie Cunningham, Tina Charles, and a 2025 first-round pick.
- Indiana Fever
- The Fever are in the midst of a rebuild, and acquiring a young player like Sabally would fit their timeline. Pairing her with the likes of Aliyah Boston (2023 #1 overall pick) would create a formidable frontcourt for the future. In return, the Wings would likely want a mix of young talent and picks.
- Trade Proposal: Satou Sabally for Kelsey Mitchell, Victoria Vivians, and a 2025 first-round pick.
Kelsey Plum: A Sharpshooter and Playmaker
Kelsey Plum has evolved into one of the league’s premier guards, known for her scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc. Plum is also an exceptional playmaker, able to facilitate the offense for the Las Vegas Aces while remaining a threat to score herself. Her development into a complete player makes her an attractive option for any team looking to add a guard who can shoot, pass, and create opportunities for her teammates.
Potential Trade Partners for Kelsey Plum
- Washington Mystics
- The Mystics are a team in need of scoring punch and playmaking ability, and Kelsey Plum would be a perfect fit alongside the likes of Elena Delle Donne and Ariel Atkins. Plum’s outside shooting could space the floor for Delle Donne’s inside game, and her playmaking would create more opportunities for the Mystics’ offense.
- Trade Proposal: Kelsey Plum for Alysha Clark, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, and a 2025 first-round pick.
- Atlanta Dream
- The Dream have a young, promising roster but need an experienced guard to help lead the team. Plum’s scoring ability and playmaking could help elevate players like Ryan Howard and Cheyenne Parker. The Dream have the cap space and young talent to make a trade work.
- Trade Proposal: Kelsey Plum for Tiffany Hayes, Cheyenne Parker, and a 2025 second-round pick.
- Minnesota Lynx
- The Lynx are a team that has gone through some transition after the departure of veteran players like Sylvia Fowles. Bringing in Kelsey Plum would add a dynamic scoring option alongside Napheesa Collier. The Lynx could look to trade some of their veteran players and young talent in exchange for Plum.
- Trade Proposal: Kelsey Plum for Layshia Clarendon, Crystal Dangerfield, and a 2025 first-round pick.
