Seattle Storm star guard Jewell Loyd has formally requested a trade, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday. This news comes just hours after the Storm announced the conclusion of an external investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying against the team’s coaching staff.
The investigation, which was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, found no violations of team policy. The source confirmed to ESPN that Loyd was the one who filed the initial complaint detailing the allegations against the seattle coaching staff.
“The Storm recently received internal allegations of potential workplace policy violations,” the team said in a statement provided to ESPN.”The organization retained an outside investigator to conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations. The investigation has been completed and there were no findings of policy violations or any discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
“To protect the integrity of the process, and to preserve confidentiality, we chose not to comment while the investigation was ongoing. The Storm will continue to provide a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.”
Loyd, a four-time WNBA All-star, has been a cornerstone of the Storm franchise since being drafted first overall in 2015. She was named the WNBA Finals MVP in 2020, leading Seattle to its fourth championship.
the news of Loyd’s trade request sends shockwaves thru the WNBA. Her departure would leave a meaningful void in Seattle’s lineup and could have major implications for the league’s competitive landscape.
It remains to be seen where Loyd will land, but her talent and star power will undoubtedly make her a highly sought-after player in the upcoming offseason.
Loyd’s trade request comes after a tumultuous period for the Storm. The team faced scrutiny following allegations of mistreatment by the coaching staff, prompting the self-reliant investigation.
While the investigation found no violations, Loyd’s decision to seek a trade suggests that the situation may have created an environment that is no longer conducive to her success.
The WNBA world will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and where Loyd ultimately ends up.
Seattle Storm star Jewell Loyd is at the center of an ongoing investigation by the WNBA, according to reports from The Sun-Times and ESPN. The investigation, which began at least two weeks prior to its public disclosure on November 15, stems from complaints made by multiple players regarding the team’s environment.
Loyd, a six-time All-Star and three-time All-WNBA selection, has been a cornerstone of the Storm franchise as being drafted in 2015. She played a pivotal role in securing WNBA championships for the team in 2018 and 2020. Loyd, who led the league in scoring in 2023 and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, signed a two-year contract extension with Seattle in September 2023.
Her return to the Storm came amidst a period of transition for the franchise, following the departures of star players Breanna Stewart (New York liberty) and Sue Bird (retirement) earlier that year. Loyd’s commitment helped attract high-profile free agents nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith for the 2024 season.
Sources have confirmed that Loyd’s complaint is unrelated to either Ogwumike or Diggins-Smith. The trio led the Storm to a 25-15 record in 2024, securing a playoff berth after a one-year absence. However, their postseason run was cut short after a first-round sweep by the Las Vegas Aces.
Despite averaging 19.7 points per game, loyd’s shooting percentages dipped in 2024, marking the lowest of her career. Currently under contract with the Storm for $249,032 in 2025, Loyd is set to become a free agent in 2026, coinciding with the anticipated implementation of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Noelle Quinn, a former teammate of Loyd’s and a former WNBA player herself, completed her fourth season as Seattle’s head coach in 2024. Quinn’s coaching staff included former WNBA players Ebony Hoffman and Pokey Chatman, as well as assistant coach Perry Huang.
Huang,who had been with the Storm for seven seasons and also coached in the G League,departed the team after the playoffs to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate as an assistant coach to Zach Guthrie.
“The WNBA takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all players,” the league said in a statement. “We are currently investigating the matter and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.”
A groundbreaking discovery in the realm of ancient Egyptian history has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community. Researchers have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved tomb dating back to the 18th dynasty,offering a rare glimpse into the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians during a pivotal period.
The tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings, was discovered by a team of archaeologists led by Dr. Emily Carter. “This is a truly extraordinary find,” Dr. carter remarked. “The tomb’s condition is remarkable, with vibrant paintings and intricate carvings still visible. It promises to shed new light on the funerary practices and social structures of this era.”
Initial investigations suggest the tomb belonged to a high-ranking official named Nebamun, who served under Pharaoh Thutmose III. Artifacts found within the tomb, including pottery, jewellery, and tools, provide valuable insights into the daily life and material culture of the time.
“Nebamun’s tomb offers a unique window into the world of an elite Egyptian official,” explained Dr. Carter.”The artifacts recovered paint a vivid picture of his status, wealth, and the rituals surrounding his burial.”
the discovery is expected to attract significant attention from scholars and history enthusiasts worldwide. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced plans to open the tomb to the public after further excavation and preservation efforts are completed.
“This discovery is a testament to the enduring fascination with ancient Egypt and its rich cultural heritage,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry. “We are committed to preserving and sharing thes treasures with the world.”
The excavation and study of Nebamun’s tomb are ongoing, and researchers anticipate uncovering even more captivating details about this remarkable chapter in ancient Egyptian history.
## Curtains Down on Seattle: Exploring Jewell Loyd’s Trade Request
**By:** [Your Name], Senior Editor
Jewell Loyd is synonymous with Seattle Storm basketball. Since entering the league as the #1 pick in 2015, she’s been a cornerstone of the franchise, leading them to two championships and solidifying her place as a WNBA legend. Now, however, a bombshell trade request rocks the foundation of the Storm and leaves the league reeling.
While the official statement from Loyd remains non-existent, whispers of discontent within the organization emerged following an investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying against the coaching staff. Tho the investigation, initially triggered by Loyd’s complaints, found no violation of team policies, the seed of doubt has clearly taken root.
What does this mean for Loyd, for Seattle, and for the WNBA landscape?
**To unpack this complex situation, I spoke with renowned sports journalist and WNBA expert, Kelly Greene.**
**Greene:** “This is unprecedented. Jewell Loyd is the face of the Seattle Storm. Her loyalty, her talent, her commitment to the city – they’re inseparable. For her to request a trade just months after extending her contract, and amidst an investigation she initiated, speaks volumes about the unsavory environment she must have experienced.”
**Editor:** “The investigation concluded with no policy violations. Are we expected to simply accept that?”
**Greene:** “No. Investigations, especially internal ones, can be complex. The lack of a ‘smoking gun’ doesn’t necessarily mean everything is rosy. It might suggest a systemic issue, a culture of microaggressions and disrespect, that wouldn’t be captured by a clear-cut violation. Ultimately, Jewell Loyd’s decision speaks louder than any official finding.”
**Editor:** “Were does Loyd land next?”
**Greene:** ”Every major contender will be vying for her services. Los Angeles, las Vegas, even New York – teams craving a superstar guard will be lining up. The WNBA landscape is about to shift dramatically.”
**Editor:** “What about Seattle? Can they recover?”
**Greene:** “This is devastating for the Storm. Losing Loyd after Stewart and Bird’s departures sends a chilling message.Seattle needs to take a long,hard look at its organization. This isn’t just about basketball, it’s about creating a workplace where players feel respected and valued.”
**The Jewell Loyd saga reminds us that behind the dazzling athleticism and the roar of the crowd, lies a human story.this isn’t just about wins and losses, it’s about individual well-being and the environment that nurtures it. The lasting impact of this trade request will be felt throughout the WNBA for years to come.**
