Kelsey Plum, the MVP candidate having a breakout season for the Las Vegas Aces, signed a multi-year extension on Sunday, the team announced. Winsidr’s Rachel Galligan reported the extension is for two seasons.

That means Las Vegas has its entire starting five of Chelsea Gray, Plum, Jackie Young, Dearica Hamby and A’ja Wilson signed for the 2023 season. In a big win for the front office, which locked in four of these players to new deals in 2022. 

The Aces are ready to run it back. That’s exciting news for the franchise and terrifying news for everyone else. 

No team in the league has played a 5-player lineup as frequently as the Aces have rolled out its starting group (437 minutes), and they’re outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per 100 possessions. The Storm’s Sue Bird, Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart, Gabby Williams and Ezi Magbegor have played the next-most minutes at 288. 

What does Plum’s signing mean for this season?

The Aces can play freely knowing all their top stars are paid. There’s no free agency chatter to be had. Everyone’s bought in to this franchise. They’re here to win this year and next year. 

What does Plum’s signing mean for next season?

First, the 18-7 club is coming back with a vengeance no matter how these playoffs end. 

Second, the Aces will have very little wiggle room to bolster the bench next season. It’s been a problem this year and a big reason why the starting five have played so many minutes. Riquna Williams’ $149,350 expiring contract next year would need to be moved to open up cap room to sign many players over the veteran minimum.





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