The offseason began with the bombshell news that six-time WNBA All-Star and 2023 WNBA scoring leader and 2023 All-Star game MVP wanted out of the Emerald City. The trade request followed a harassment and intimidation complaint lodged at the Storm front office and coaching staff. An investigation by an external agency found the allegations to be groundless.
MOVING ON
With a crucial centerpiece of their franchise wanting out, the team had no choice but to move Loyd. In a three-team trade, Loyd was traded to the Las Vegas Aces, while former Aces all-star Kelsey Plum was moved to the Los Angeles Sparks. The Storm acquired the No.2 pick in the 2025 draft, the rights to Chinese international Li Yueru, and a 2026 first-round draft pick from the Aces. Once the deal was done, the team pivoted and focused on moving on. The team did bring some of its past as it moved forward. Kind of a back to the future in a weird sort of way.
MIXING THE FUTURE AND THE PAST
With Skylar Diggins in the fold, the six-time WNBA All-Star dropped Smith from her jersey name. No explanation given. The team quickly re-signed some key players from the previous year. The biggest domino to fall for the Storm was future WNBA Hall of Famer Nneka Ogwumike who was followed by Katie Lou Samuelson, Alysha Clark, and Gabby Williams. The reunion of former and current players gives the Storm a solid base made of proven winners. Ezi Magbegor a budding star who is on her way to super stardom, will be joined by Dominique Malonga the Storm’s overall second pick in the draft. Rounding out the roster were the signings of Erica Wheel and Mackenzie Holmes.
A SEASON OF OPTIMISM AND HOPE
So with some of the past, present, and future mostly in hand, the Storm opened their training camp to the media this week, full of hope, confidence, and optimism. Top draft pick Dominique Malonga has yet to join the team. Her absence is somewhat excused according to head coach Noelle Quinn.
“We’re in communication with her,” said head coach Nolle Quinn said. “We’ll get some updates this week.”
Malonga has been playing for her native French club ASVEL. The team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Ligue Féminine de Basketball ( LFB )playoffs by Landes last Wednesday. When Malonga joins the team, she will add more versatility to a team that has a nucleus of veterans and budding young talent. The job for the Storm coaching staff is to create a winning culture.
“ We have a good mix of vets. And even the vets that we have in Lu and AC, they’ve previously played here. And so first and foremost, our culture is going to be big, the buy into that. We talk identity, we talk in a basketball terms. we want to make sure we’re locked in on both sides of the basketball. Defensive presence have some pace and flow to its offensively play uptempo,” said Quinn
The Storm will kick off the 2025 preseason when it hosts the Connecticut Sun Sunday May 4th 3:00pm at Climate Pledge Arena.
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