Seemingly playing her last game for the Seattle Storm, six-time WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd has requested a trade due to strained relationships with fourth-year coach Noelle Quinn and team management. The allegations surfaced after an internal investigation found no policy violations or discrimination, harassment, or bullying by the coaching staff.
Loyd’s relationship with Quinn began as teammates in 2015 and was once considered a cornerstone of the Storm’s success. However, their bond appears to have deteriorated during the season, leading to the team hiring an outside firm to investigate allegations of mistreatment tied to on-court performance.
The investigation concluded that there were no findings of policy violations or any wrongdoing by the coaching staff. Despite this, Loyd’s relationship with Quinn seems irreparable. The Storm recently agreed to a two-year maximum extension for Loyd in 2023, making her the highest-paid player in 2024 and ’25.
Loyd has expressed frustration over her performance this season, shooting career-lows from the field and three-pointers. She has since taken responsibility for her struggles, citing growth as an individual but also acknowledging that basketball wasn’t there. The Storm will continue to provide a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, according to the team’s statement.
The team’s off-season acquisitions, including nine-time All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumike and six-time All-Star point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, may have contributed to Loyd’s decision. With Loyd, Ogwumike, and other key players under contract for next season, the Storm will likely look to rebuild with their remaining assets.
The team will select four picks in the WNBA draft this spring, including No. 9 overall.
Source: https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/storm/storm-say-investigation-of-alleged-player-mistreatment-finds-no-violations