LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The Las Vegas Aces have extended a Core qualifying offer to pending free agent guard Kelsey Plum, according to the WNBA’s transactions page.
A core designation allows a team to mark an unrestricted free agent as a member of the team’s “core” if they meet certain eligibility requirements, similar to the NFL’s franchise tag.
A Core Qualifying Offer is a fully guaranteed one-year deal worth the maximum salary for which a player is eligible.
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Using the core designation for Plum means she can only sign with the Aces during free agency. Plum and Las Vegas could also work out a sign-and-trade, with the veteran guard able to veto any deal before signing a contract.
Plum, the No. 1 overall pick in 2017, has been with the Aces franchise going back to when the team was based in San Antonio. An integral part of the championship rosters in 2022 and 2023, she has been named a three-time All-Star and was 2021 Sixth Woman of the Year.
For the 2024 season, Plum averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game.
WNBA free agents can officially start signing contracts on Feb. 1. Training camp begins on April 27.
