The Aces placed the “core” designation — a version of the NFL’s franchise tag — on one of their All-Stars on Saturday with the WNBA free agency period set to open.
WNBA
The Aces can essentially put a “franchise tag” on unrestricted free agent Kelsey Plum starting Saturday. But who is making the decisions without a general manager?
Larry Lewis, who most recently worked as an assistant coach for the UC Santa Barbara men’s basketball team, has joined Aces coach Becky Hammon’s staff.
A popular Aces player was selected in Friday’s WNBA expansion draft by the Golden State Valkyries, who will open play as the league’s 13th franchise next season.
The Golden State Valkyries will start to assemble their roster Friday by selecting a maximum of one player from each of the existing 12 clubs. Each team can protect six players.
The WNBA released its 2025 schedule Monday, and the Aces will open with a semifinals rematch against the Liberty on May 17 in New York.
Aces coach Becky Hammon began rebuilding her staff Thursday by hiring an assistant coach with USA Basketball and NBA experience.
It has been a turbulent offseason for the Aces since they were eliminated in the WNBA semifinals by the New York Liberty in their quest to win their third straight title.
Another member of Aces coach Becky Hammon’s staff is leaving to become the head coach of a WNBA team.
General manager Natalie Williams helped the Aces win two WNBA championships. She was hired shortly after coach Becky Hammon in 2022.
Aces star A’ja Wilson added another accolade to her impressive resume Tuesday, as it was announced her jersey will be retired by her alma mater.
Tiffany Hayes, Sydney Colson and Alysha Clark are all age 35 or over and free agents, but they expressed hopes to come back to the Aces next season.
The Aces face some of the big decisions during the offseason, including an extension for All-Star guard Kelsey Plum.
Aces lead assistant coach Natalie Nakase is leaving the organization to become head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA expansion team announced Thursday.
Two of the Aces’ guard were dealing with injuries during the team’s WNBA title defense, details of which weren’t disclosed until the end of the season.
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