The WNBA preseason always arrives with tough decisions as teams finalize their rosters. This year, one headline has caught the attention of women’s basketball fans—Deja Kelly, an undrafted standout, was recently waived by the Las Vegas Aces. Let’s dive into Kelly’s journey, the reality of WNBA roster limitations, and what her future could look like on or off the court.

Who Is Deja Kelly?

Deja Kelly is no stranger to basketball success. Known for her dynamic skills as a point guard, she made waves at the collegiate level and turned heads during her time at Oregon. With a reputation for sharp shooting and leadership, many expected her to transition smoothly to the professional league. Kelly joined the Las Vegas Aces for training camp, aiming to secure a spot on their highly competitive roster.

The Harsh Reality of WNBA Roster Limits

Despite her talent, Deja Kelly was not selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Nonetheless, she earned an invite to Aces’ training camp, setting an example of grit for fellow undrafted players. However, the WNBA’s structure poses unique challenges. With only 156 total roster spots distributed among 13 teams, the league regularly sees even top prospects cut as teams trim down (
Yahoo Sports
).

This year was no exception. Preseason camps saw big names—rookies and college stars alike—waived just days before season tipoff. With veterans often claiming a majority of roster spots, opportunities for new players like Kelly can be scarce. As outlined in the extensive
WNBA 2025 roster tracker on CBS Sports,
minimal room exists for athletes outside the top draft picks.

Why Was Deja Kelly Waived?

There are several factors at play when it comes to roster selection. Each team, limited by salary caps and a maximum of 12 active players, must make hard choices. The Las Vegas Aces, like many other franchises, were forced to reduce their camp roster and make last-minute decisions as the regular season approached. On May 12, the Aces announced they had waived Deja Kelly to meet league requirements, as shared in detail by
SBNation
.

Kelly’s release wasn’t a reflection of her talent or dedication. Instead, it was the product of extraordinary competition and roster space constraints. For now, veterans and certain high-tier draft picks have the edge, leaving promising players like Kelly seeking other opportunities.

What’s Next for Deja Kelly?

Getting cut from a WNBA team doesn’t mark the end of the road. Many top players use these moments as springboards for growth. Most athletes who don’t make rosters either join overseas leagues—where the chance for development and higher pay awaits—or seek another shot through training camps in the future. Deja Kelly’s determined mindset and college pedigree suggest she’s far from finished.

Fans and analysts alike are curious to see Kelly’s next steps. Whether she finds a home on an international team or secures a future call-up in the WNBA, her journey embodies the tenacity and resilience of today’s women’s basketball stars.

The Bigger Picture: WNBA Growth and Opportunity

The WNBA continues to wrestle with expansion. As calls grow for more roster spots and new teams, stories like Deja Kelly’s highlight how much talent exists outside the league’s limited framework. With league officials exploring potential structural changes, next seasons may hold more opportunities for players like Kelly to thrive.

Conclusion

Deja Kelly’s story is a reminder of the fierce competition and small margins in professional women’s basketball. Despite being waived by the Las Vegas Aces, her potential and drive keep her name on the radar for fans and scouts everywhere. Stay tuned for future updates, as the next step in Deja Kelly’s career could inspire the next generation of basketball hopefuls.