Las Vegas Aces waive Deja Kelly, finalize opening-night WNBA roster for 2025 season

The Las Vegas Aces waived undrafted guard Deja Kelly, trimming the roster to 13 ahead of the 2025 WNBA season opener.


Pop Culture & Art May 13, 2025
Photo: AFP

The Las Vegas Aces have waived guard Deja Kelly, the team announced Monday, bringing their roster down to 13 players just ahead of the 2025 WNBA season opener.

Kelly, 23, joined the Aces as an undrafted free agent following a standout college career at North Carolina.

The move comes after weeks of training camp evaluations and solidifies what appears to be the Aces’ final roster for opening night. Among the 13 remaining players is veteran forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who is currently pregnant but remains on the roster.

Kelly had been vying for a backup guard position in an already deep and experienced backcourt, including stars like Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. Her release suggests the Aces are confident in their current rotation heading into the new season.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This waiver follows a previous roster cut in which the Aces also released two other players, including one of their 2025 WNBA Draft selections. The decisions reflect the team’s focus on maintaining a championship-caliber lineup while balancing injuries, pregnancies, and player development.

Las Vegas is entering the season as the defending WNBA champions and remains a favorite to repeat in 2025, led by head coach Becky Hammon. With training camp concluded and media day wrapped, all eyes now turn to the Aces' opening matchup.

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