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As first reported by The Chicago Sun-Times, Seattle Storm All-Star Jewell Loyd has requested a trade. The announcement came after an investigation into the Storm coaching staff found no evidence of alleged bullying and harassment.
Loyd was the No. 1 pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft by Seattle out of Notre Dame. She since has blossomed into one of the foremost guards in the league, helping to propel the Storm to two WNBA titles in 2018 and 2020. She’s also become a six-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist and the WNBA’s 2023 scoring leader. After the 2023 season, she signed a two-year extension with the Storm, a move that has been credited with bringing free agents Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith to Seattle during the 2024 offseason. The Storm finished the 2024 season 25-15 before losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Las Vegas Aces. Loyd averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
With Loyd’s expected departure, the question beckons: Where is she headed to next?
In the aftermath of the report, Chicago Sky fans took to social media, passionately calling for Loyd to return to her hometown. And it could be a perfect match! Not only do the Sky have two first-round picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft, as well as flexibility in the free agent market, that could help facilitate the acquisition of Loyd, but her perimeter play and leadership skills also would address Chicago’s greatest needs.
New head coach Tyler Marsh has emphasized improving the team’s shooting, which Loyd certainly would provide. Then, there is the hope that she can help strengthen the games of Angel Reese and Kamila Cardoso. Chennedy Carter, if she returns, also could benefit from Loyd, as the two could share offensive initiation responsibilities.
From a family perspective, Loyd’s mother Gwendolyn, a frequent presence at the Sky games, would be courtside cheering on her daughter.
But, there are also factors that would deter Loyd from coming back home. The Sky are coming off an unspectacular 13-24 season that was riddled with periodic losing streaks and injuries. The team also is in a rebuilding stage and unlikely to be a contender in the short term. That contrasts with the other teams cited as possibilities for Loyd, such as the Aces and Indiana Fever. Plus, Loyd is 30 years old and approaching an advanced athletic age, while the Sky are aiming to build around Reese and Cardoso, who are in their early 20s. Loyd also will be a free agent after the 2025 season.
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