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The Storm announced Wednesday that its investigation into alleged harassment and bullying concluded with no violations found. But the team is bracing for a significant change to its roster.
Two-time WNBA champion Jewell Loyd has requested a trade, sources close to the star told the Sun-Times on Wednesday.
Loyd — whom the Storm drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and was named Rookie of the Year — was at the center of the investigation after she filed a complaint detailing allegations against the Storm’s coaching staff, a source close to the situation told the Sun-Times. Loyd’s future in Seattle was contingent upon a belief that relationships within the organization could be mended.
The Storm re-signed Loyd to a two-year supermax extension in September 2023. Despite the team finishing 11-29 that season — the most losses in franchise history — Loyd opted to return after multiple conversations with ownership and coach Noelle Quinn solidified her belief in the franchise’s direction.
Loyd’s extension influenced the Storm to sign free agents Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike four months later. In their introductory press conference, both cited teaming with Loyd as one of their top reasons for choosing the Storm over other suitors, including the Sky.
Ogwumike told the Sun-Times in May that Loyd’s extension signaled the franchise was “doubling down on something,” despite the rough 2023 season.
It’s unclear what exactly led to the unraveling of a roster that garnered super-team buzz less than a year ago.
The Storm went 25-15 in 2024 before being swept by the Aces in the first round of the playoffs. After their two-game sweep, Quinn called out the team’s effort, saying, “I will be better. Our team will be better. Effort will never, ever be a thing for us again.”
Quinn — who has a 74-68 record with the Storm in four seasons — took over as coach in 2021 after Dan Hughes retired. She was an assistant on Hughes’ staff for two seasons before being promoted. She was also a player on the Storm’s 2018 championship team.
Despite the Storm’s relative success in 2024, there were signs that the team never developed a strong chemistry. The Storm went 8-7 to close the second half of the season. Accountability was emphasized often in players’ postgame interviews as the season ended.
During exit interviews, Quinn was asked directly about a disconnect within the team and whether she believed it was something that could be remedied without changes to the roster.
“Sometimes when I talk to you guys, it’s immediately after a high emotional situation,” Quinn said in September. “Even today, I don’t feel like I’ve had enough time to evaluate thoroughly. I don’t want to speak out of high emotion. There is some reality to the fact that our team has to change because of the expansion draft and free agency.
“Every year, a team looks a little different. The hope is to continue to bring in players that have that mindset that we’ve been harping on all year. The players that are going to be here and remain here to make sure that’s never the topic anymore. Pride, effort those things should always be top of mind and on our hearts and how we show up to play.”
Loyd’s trade request will serve as the catalyst for the Storm’s roster overhaul.
The expansion draft Friday could see one of the Storm’s unprotected players selected by the Valkyries. In January, the Storm will see six players become unrestricted free agents, including Ogwumike, center Mercedes Russell, forward Gabby Williams and guard Sami Whitcomb.
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