Seattle Storm forward Jewell Loyd has requested a trade from the team, sources close to the situation told the Sun-Times on Wednesday. Loyd’s decision comes after the team concluded an investigation into alleged harassment and bullying involving its coaching staff, which found no violations.
The two-time WNBA champion was at the center of the investigation after filing a complaint against the coaching staff. Despite the team finishing with 11 losses in their worst season yet, Loyd opted to stay, citing her commitment to the franchise’s direction. Her re-signing influenced the Storm to sign free agents Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike, who cited Loyd as one of their reasons for choosing Seattle.
However, despite the team’s relative success in 2024, signs of a disconnect within the team emerged. Players emphasized accountability during post-game interviews, and coach Noelle Quinn acknowledged that changes were necessary to address issues with chemistry. With Loyd having one year left on her contract valued at $249,032, her trade request will serve as the catalyst for the Storm’s roster overhaul.
The team is bracing for significant changes, including the potential loss of an unprotected player in the upcoming expansion draft and six players becoming unrestricted free agents in January. Quinn has vowed to improve the team’s effort, saying that pride and accountability will be top priorities moving forward.
Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-sky-and-wnba/2024/12/04/jewell-loyd-requests-trade-out-of-seattle