Seattle Storm veteran Jewell Loyd wants to leave the franchise that helped raise her.
On Wednesday, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Loyd requested a trade, sending shockwaves through hoops circles. The news comes on the heels of an investigation into alleged player harassment and bullying. According to Costabile, Loyd is the player who made the complaint against the Storm.
However, an outside firm concluded that Seattle made no violations, and 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 guard in anything but a Storm uniform after 10 seasons. However, if she’s going to leave, a few landing spots should be considered.
Here are five trade destinations that could accommodate Jewell Loyd:
1. Chicago Sky
Jewell Loyd returning home to Chicago makes a lot of sense. She’s from Lincolnwood, Illinois, just miles outside the city. The Sky also have an intriguing new head coach in Tyler Marsh, and though the team doesn’t have the facilities that Seattle does, it’s currently being built.
The elephant in the room (LOUDLY!) asks if the Sky will move on from Chennedy Carter. Carter is a restricted free agent, and without Teresa Weatherspoon, the coach who seemed to bring out her best, she might not have the incentive to stay.
Also, the question then becomes: what would Chicago give up to get Loyd? Seattle won’t let her go for just anything. The most viable option becomes the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft.
At a minimum, Chicago had better get on the phone, start talking to Seattle now, and get the crying out of the way about having to part with a top pick.
2. Phoenix Mercury
Is Diana Taurasi going to retire? Nobody seems to know.
But if there’s even the slightest chance she is, Jewell Loyd could become her heir apparent. I know. That’s going to feel so weird ― gross even. The Mercury without Taurasi doesn’t seem right.
However, Loyd could become a helpful bridge through very unfamiliar territory. She’s already played with Kahleah Copper and Brittney Griner during this year’s Paris Olympics, and her production alone quickly replaces what Taurasi would’ve added. Phoenix also has the facilities that Loyd would need to maintain the support she’s used to.
3. Las Vegas Aces
Sorry, Plum Dawg. Your time in Vegas might be up.
Becky Hammon warned everyone in October that the Las Vegas Aces can’t look the same after a disappointing three-peat attempt. That means something on the roster has to shake. Unfortunately, much to the dismay of Aces fans everywhere, Kelsey Plum (a free agent) might have played her last game with Las Vegas.
How do you possibly fix a Kelsey Plum breakup hangover? With a Jewell Loyd. Luring her to the desert might not be too hard. Las Vegas has a championship pedigree, top-tier practice facilities, and the best player in the whole league. You know, nothing major.
4. Los Angeles Sparks
Who desperately needs a starting caliber guard with experience and production? The Los Angeles Sparks do, and they need it like YESTERDAY.
Last season, the Sparks played musical point guard for most of the season, rotating out players through offensive slumps and injuries. Then, veteran Layshia Clarendon retired, somewhat putting the Sparks in a bind.
Loyd in LA immediately becomes attractive because even if the Sparks draft a top player (guard or otherwise) in April, having an additional long-time veteran on the team fills a considerable void. Not to mention, if she doesn’t mind the youth, a ton of upside comes with 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’s quite literally a clean slate.
Golden State represents everything about a fresh start. There are no ties, the team is new, and the culture is still being forged. If she wanted to, Loyd could be something the franchise could build around ― and the Valkyries can easily afford her.
The downside is that Loyd would be at the “bottom of the league,” trying to help the youngest team figure it out. If she’s okay with that role, the Valkyries are just an 800-mile trip down the road.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 Jewell Loyd trade destinations, including a Chicago Sky hometown reunion
