The Las Vegas Aces made a familiar move ahead of free agency, but not everyone is on board. The team re-signed Kierstan Bell, a decision that has sparked debate among the fan base over the logic behind bringing back the reserve forward.

Before the free agency tips off this Saturday, all the teams are filling up their roster spots. But instead of going after a new name, the Aces brought back a player who is already familiar with the team's culture.

“Kierstan Bell has signed with the Aces”, the Underdog WNBA took the announcement to X on April 10. This marked her 5^th time re-signing with the franchise.

The 6’1 Forward has re-signed a one-year, non-guaranteed, league minimum contract with the Aces, which ranges from $270,000 to $300,000 based on her years of service. Moving forward, she’ll be a restricted free agent.

2022 was when the Aces drafted Bell as the No. 11 pick. Last year, she only averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds coming off the bench. However, Aces president Nikki Fargas mentioned Bell to be a natural fit.

But even so, the fans mainly looked at Bell’s stats, which look underwhelming.

Fans Did Not Like Kierstan Bell’s Return

Surely Fargas called Bell a “natural fit” who was “an essential part of winning three championships”, or someone “always willing to do what is needed for the team to win.” But the fans had one major point to make.

"What does she have on Becky? Cause she's genuinely a horrible hooper," one fan wrote. Last season, Bell only scored 4.2 points and grabbed 1.8 rebounds off the bench. 

"I don't know why the Aces keep KB," another person said in confusion. Bell was the 11th pick in 2022, and four years into her career, those early hopes still haven't turned into consistent play on the court. 

"I just give up on trying to understand," a fan said with disappointment.

For a team that wants to win the championship, signing a player to a minimum deal who rarely scores more than ten points seems like a missed chance in a free agency window.

"Low-risk, high-reward move. If she finds her rhythm, this is a steal," one fan reasoned.

The contract is for one year and has a league minimum of $270,000 to $300,000, but the Aces can cut Bell before the season if she doesn't do well in camp. 

"I heard she runs the practice squad and is good at prepping for the actual game," another defended. Bell's experience with the Aces' system after five stints with the team is valuable beyond the box score.

But going forward, do you think this was a good decision by the franchise? Comment it down.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Utsav Gupta