Jewell Loyd will play in Seattle for the first time in her WNBA career, but this time as a visitor. Having spent nine seasons with the Storm, Loyd was a key figure for the franchise, earning six consecutive All-Star selections before requesting a trade during the offseason.
Details of the Trade Sending Loyd to Las Vegas
The Storm agreed to trade Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces in a major deal finalized on February 1, involving the exchange of promising talent, including Cameroonian center Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall draft pick, moving to Seattle. This swap marked a significant shift for both teams.
Background of the Departure Amid Organizational Turmoil
The circumstances surrounding Loyd’s exit remain somewhat unspoken by the player herself, though the timeline suggests a connection to internal issues within the Storm. The team had recently faced allegations of harassment and bullying by the coaching staff, which prompted an investigation. Though the inquiry concluded without finding any violations, Loyd soon after requested a trade, signaling her discomfort with the situation.
Adjustment Struggles and Anticipation of Return
Transitioning to the Aces has presented challenges for Loyd, who currently averages 11.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of only 33.3%. Nonetheless, her return to Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday was met with excitement. The WNBA amplified the moment through their social media:
Jewell Loyd is back in Seattle Get ready as the Gold Mamba and the Las Vegas Aces take on her former squad tonight at 6pm/ET on League Pass.
This event spotlighted Loyd’s homecoming under new colors.
Loyd Speaks on the Need for a Supportive Environment
While avoiding direct commentary on the specific reasons behind her trade request, Loyd emphasized her desire for a safe and supportive environment. Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, she said,
Honestly, you never really know until stuff happens,
and continued,
But I knew that I couldn’t be in an environment that didn’t allow me to be myself. That’s all I knew.
She added,
Whether it was staying in Seattle, whether it’s coming here, going anywhere else, I just wanted to make sure that the environment I was in was a safe space for me. So that’s kind of my viewpoint. And obviously, a couple months later, things happened.
Legacy in Seattle and Expectations for the Game
During her tenure in Seattle, Loyd helped lead the Storm to two championships, becoming an influential figure in the franchise’s history. Her return is expected to bring a warm reception from fans when the Aces face the Storm, with the game scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET.