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The Las Vegas Aces bolstered their roster by signing veteran guard Tiffany Hayes. The team made the announcement Friday morning. This move brings the back-to-back WNBA champions' roster back to 12 players, a critical addition as they aim for another championship season.
Hayes, a 2017 All-Star, announced her retirement after the 2023 season with the Connecticut Sun. Despite stepping away from the WNBA, she continued to play overseas. Now, at 34, Hayes is returning to the league with renewed vigor and a new team.
“Joining the Aces will be very exciting for me,” Hayes stated in a news release from the team, as reported by Callie Lawson-Freeman of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’m just grateful that they are willing to work with me as I am diving head first into a new era in my life. It will be nice to experience the west coast and this organization as I join them on the road to another winning season. I have no doubts that there is something special brewing, and I’m just another great ingredient being added to the mix. Let’s go Aces!”
Originally drafted 14th overall by the Atlanta Dream in 2012, Hayes spent her first decade in the league with the Dream before being traded to the Connecticut Sun in February 2023. During her time with Atlanta, Hayes became known for her scoring ability and tenacious defense. In her final season with the Sun, she averaged 12.1 points, three rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game over 40 regular-season appearances.
Aces' General Manager Natalie Williams expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition.
“Tiffany is a fiery competitor with a winner’s mentality,” Williams stated. “A savvy veteran who will be a great addition to our team.”
Tiffany Hayes adds depth to Aces roster
The Aces, currently 4-1 and leading the Western Conference, were down to nine players after waiving rookie guard Dyaisha Fair. While the team wasn't specifically looking for a point guard, they sought an experienced player to add depth and versatility, which Hayes certainly provides.
Hayes' career averages of 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game highlight her consistent performance over 11 years in the league. Her ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the court makes her a valuable asset for the Aces as they navigate the current season.
The timing of Hayes' signing is noteworthy as the Aces face her former team, the Atlanta Dream, on the road Friday night. Hayes' return to Atlanta, where she spent a decade of her career, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Hayes' return to the WNBA marks a significant chapter in her storied career. As a former UConn standout, she was part of the powerhouse teams that won national championships in 2009 and 2010. Her collegiate success translated well to the professional level, where she quickly became a key player for the Dream and later the Sun.
In December, Hayes announced her retirement, stating that while she was stepping away from the WNBA, she would continue to play overseas. This decision came after a strong 2023 season with the Sun, where she showcased her scoring prowess by putting up 30 points in a playoff game against the New York Liberty, via Michael Fornabaio of CT Insider.
