Jewell Loyd could be wearing a different WNBA jersey for the first time in her career.
The 31-year-old guard requested a trade from the Seattle Storm on Wednesday, as reported by multiple sources. The Chicago Sun-Times was the first to break the news.
Loyd’s trade request followed an investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying by the Storm’s coaching staff, which was ultimately cleared. Noelle Quinn has been the head coach of the Storm since 2021.
According to ESPN, Loyd was the player who filed the initial complaint that prompted the investigation. Quinn was also Loyd’s teammate from 2016 to 2018.
“The Storm recently received internal allegations of potential workplace policy violations,” Seattle said in a statement to ESPN. “The organization hired an external investigator to look into the allegations. The investigation found no violations of policies or any discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
“In order to maintain confidentiality and the integrity of the process, the Storm refrained from making any comments while the investigation was ongoing. The team remains committed to providing a respectful work environment for all individuals.”
Quinn’s coaching staff this past season included former WNBA player Ebony Hoffman, former WNBA head coach Pokey Chatman, and Perry Huang as assistants.
Loyd, a six-time All-Star, was instrumental in helping Seattle secure WNBA championships in 2018 and 2020. The 2015 Rookie of the Year and No. 1 overall pick has been named an All-Star six times, most recently from 2021 to 2024.
The Notre Dame alum led the WNBA in points per game in 2023 with an average of 24.7. In 2024, she averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals on a 36/27/88 shooting split.
Loyd is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA.
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