The Seattle Storm guard combo, Jewell Loyd, has decided to part ways with the team after she requested to be traded. The reasons behind the request have not yet been confirmed by the public, but according to a report by Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, she cited bullying and harassment from coaching staff. An investigation about the case was concluded, but no verdict was found.
Loyd was drafted in the 2015 WNBA Draft as a first overall pick by the Seattle Storm. Loyd, who was the centerpiece for the Seattle Storm, is a two-time WNBA champion (2018 and 2020) with the franchise. She played a crucial role alongside Sue Bird and Natasha Howard in 2018 to secure three wins in the final game series against the Connecticut Sun. She averaged 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 2018. In 2020, her role on the team greatly contributed to the success of the franchise in winning the championship.
With Breanna Stewart added to the squad, the team had a great show against the Las Vegas Aces to win the Championship. She averaged 15.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
With Sue Bird’s retirement in 2022 and the departure of Stewart to join the New York Liberty, Loyd had to step up and lead the squad as the star player. Her decision to stick with the team influenced the signing of other key players like Nneka Ogwumike from the Los Angeles Sparks and Skylar Diggins-Smith from the Phoenix Mercury. The trio had a great front, averaging 63 points per game. The Seattle Storm concluded the 2024 season after losing to Las Vegas in two rounds of the post-regular season games. They completed the season in third place in the Western Conference.
Other League Achievements of Jewell
Jewell was awarded the WNBA Rookie of the Year (2015) and she is a six-time WNBA All-Star. She was named to the 2021 All-WNBA First Team. The Notre Dame alumni is an Honoree to numerous distinguished lists like All-American USBWA, WBCA Coaches’ All-American, First Team All ACC, Big East All-Freshman of the Year and McDonald’s All-American.
She played on Team USA’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics team and 2024 Paris Olympics, both of which scooped gold. She represented the USA at the World Cup games in 2018 and 2022, where the teams obtained gold.
What Does the Future Look Like
The team will open the 2025 season against the Phoenix Mercury on May 17, 2025. Seattle Storm are expected to receive the 9th pick first round and potential draftee Te-Hina Paopao from South Carolina per the WNBA Mock Draft 2025. Loyd is a perfect puzzle piece for the Seattle Storm, and the team losing her could impact the players’ outlook and overall performance.
