After missing the playoffs in 2019 the Las Vegas Aces managed to pick up another No. 1 draft pick by finishing ninth in the league. Before they get to this they need to negotiate the 2019 free agency period.

The Las Vegas Aces had an incredible first WNBA season since moving from San Antonio. They finished ninth in the league, just a single game outside of the playoffs. Thanks to the signings of their initial roster they have a few decisions to make in free agency.

The Aces have almost all of their core under contract, just needing to round out the final couple of pieces. Here are a list of players coming back for the Aces.

On contract

Kelsey Bone – Used as a starter early in the season, Lambert appeared to like her defensive energy. Offensively Bone was a liability at times.

Nia Coffey – At the start of the season Bill Laimbeer said that Coffey could defend anyone in the league. While she may struggle to defend Liz Cambage, watching the athleticism and energy Coffey, his point is well made. Coffey has grown in her time in Australia and as long as she has better shot selection next season will be well utilised by the Aces.

Isabelle Harrison – Did not play last season. Harrison was a key piece for the San Antonio Stars in their final year. She has tremendous energy and a great nose for a rebound.

Moriah Jefferson – Coming back from injury last season, Jefferson was half of her former self. In so saying that, she was still good at times in the season as she is an exceptional offensive talent. Depending on who the Aces draft, Jefferson is probably first guard traded this season.

Kayla McBride – Even with the rookie season of A’ja Wilson, McBride is still the leader of this young team. Offensively McBride is hard to stop, her career average of 15.32 pointws per game is 21st in the league all time. Scarily, she is just going to get better.

Jaime Nared – On the second year of her rookie scale contract. She played in 31 games but her shooting percentages were too low for more minutes.

JiSu Park – During her rookie season Park was tried as a starter and a bench player. Ultimately she was not comparable to Wilson at the five and was used as a backup.

Kelsey Plum – About to enter the third season, Plum is starting to come into her own. Her shooting percentages are up including her trademark 3-point attempts. Plum went at 43.9 percent from deep, now she needs to start shooting more.

Carolyn Swords – Signed primarily as a backup for the five position, Swords played her role perfectly. Laimbeer was able to manage her minutes well enough that Swords was effective rebounding the ball, both offensively and defensively.

A’ja Wilson – Not much can be said which has not been said already about Wilson’s amazing rookie season. Scarily for the rest of the WNBA she is just going to get better.

Tamera Young – Last season I called Young the most Laimbeer signing ever. She is so talented defensively and has improved her offense.

Free agents to be re-signed

The Aces have two players off contract this season. Initially both of them will be re-signed, at least until all the team has returned from overseas commitments. They have about $200,000 salary cap space.

Lindsay Allen – While she is quietly having an MVP season for the Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL, Allen is likely to be re-signed to cover the start of the WNBA season. Then, depending on fit, either Allen or Nared will be waived.

Dearica Hamby – Easily the most important free agent signing for the Aces. Hamby is a spark plug off the bench. She is instant offense as well as being solidly defensively.

The Aces are looking good for the future, they are going to grow together. They can stand pat and will make finals this season. The future is bright for the Aces.

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