Seattle Storm veteran Jewell Loyd wants to leave the franchise that helped him rise.
Wednesday, Annie Costabile of Chicago Sun-Times reported that Loyd requested a trade, sending shockwaves through the hoops circles. The news follows a investigating allegations of player harassment and intimidation. According to Costabile, Loyd is the player who filed the complaint against the Storm.
However, an external company concluded that Seattle committed no infractionand now Loyd wants to move on, despite signing a two-year extension in 2023 tying her to the franchise. It’s hard to imagine the veteran goaltender wearing anything other than a Storm uniform after 10 seasons. However, if she must depart, a few landing spots should be considered.
Here are five business destinations that could welcome Jewell Loyd:
1. Chicago Sky
Jewell Loyd’s return to Chicago makes perfect sense. She’s from Lincolnwood, Illinois, a few miles outside of town. The Sky also has an intriguing character new head coach in Tyler Marshand although the team does not have the facilities that Seattle has, it is currently under construction.
The elephant in the room (LOUDLY!) asks if Heaven is going to leave Chennedy Carter. Carter is a restricted free agent, and without Teresa Weatherspoon, the coach who seemed to be doing her best, she might not have an incentive to stay.
Plus, the question then becomes: What would Chicago give up to get Loyd? Seattle won’t let her leave for anything. The most viable option becomes the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft.
At a minimum, Chicago better get on the phone, start talking to Seattle now and stop crying about having to part with a top pick.
2. Phoenix Mercury
Will Diana Taurasi retire?? Nobody seems to know.
But if there’s even the slightest chance that she is, Jewell Loyd could become her heir apparent. I know. This is going to sound so weird, even disgusting. Mercury without Taurasi does not look right.
However, Loyd could become a useful bridge into very uncharted territory. She’s already performed with Kahleah Copper and Brittney Griner during this year’s Paris Olympics, and her production alone is quickly replacing what Taurasi would have added. Phoenix also has the facilities Loyd would need to maintain the support she is accustomed to.
3. The Aces of Las Vegas
Sorry, Plum Dawg. Your time in Vegas may be over.
Becky Hammon warned everyone in October that The Las Vegas Aces can’t be alike after a disappointing three-lap attempt. This means something on the list must be shaking. Unfortunately, much to the dismay of Aces fans everywhere, Kelsey Plum (a free agent) could have played her last game for Las Vegas.
How can you fix a breakup hangover with Kelsey Plum? With a Jewell Loyd. Luring him into the desert might not be too difficult. Las Vegas has a championship pedigree, top-notch training facilities and the best player in the entire league. You know, nothing serious.
4. Los Angeles Sparks
Who desperately needs a starting caliber guard with experience and production? The Los Angeles Sparks are doing it, and they need it like YESTERDAY.
Last season, the Sparks played the role of musical point guard for most of the season, rotating players through offensive crises and injuries. Then veteran Layshia Clarendon retired, putting the Sparks in somewhat of a bind.
Loyd to Los Angeles immediately becomes attractive because even if the Sparks sign a high-profile player (guard or otherwise) in April, having an additional long-time veteran on the team fills a sizable void. Not to mention, if she doesn’t mind the youngsters, there are plenty of benefits to playing with Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.
5. Golden State Valkyries
Why on earth would Jewell Loyd ask to be traded to the Golden State Valkyries? It’s simple. There is literally a clean slate.
Golden State represents everything about new beginnings. There are no connections, the team is new and the culture is still being formed. If she wanted to, Loyd could be something the franchise could build around – and the Valkyries can easily afford that.
The downside is that Loyd would be at the “bottom of the league”, trying to help the younger team figure it out. If she agrees to this role, the Valkyries are only 800 miles away.
This article was originally published on For The Win: 5 Jewell Loyd Shopping Destinations, Including a Chicago Sky Hometown Reunion
