Top $204,500 Storm free agent's future could be decided by close relationship with coach, says insider

Seattle Storm free agent Nneka Ogwumike's future with the franchise depends on her close relationship with coach Noelle Quinn, according to WNBA insider Kevin Pelton. On Wednesday, Pelton suggested that the first overall pick in the 2012 draft may prioritize her relationship with Quinn when making her free agency decision.

According to Spotrac, Ogwumike's current contract with Seattle is a one-year deal worth $204,500. On the "A Touch More" podcast, she spoke highly of Quinn. Her comment on the podcast with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe sounded like she has plans to return to Seattle.

"I am looking for a team that has a head coach that I am connected to, a practice facility, great engagement when it comes from ownership, management that's on top of it. I mean, Seattle has all those things," Ogwumike said.

Ogwumike is one of the top free agents in the WNBA. Her decision will significantly affect the franchise and its chances of success next season.

Ogwumike's move from the LA Sparks, her home for 12 seasons, to Seattle in 2024 yielded a fifth-place finish. The Storm's season ended with a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Las Vegas Aces, who swept the series. The 2024 season marked an improvement from 2023 when they missed the playoffs.

She ended the regular season with averages of 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Additionally, she shot 51.1% (40.5% from the 3-point line) and 87.6% from the charity stripe.

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Seattle Storm closes investigation into alleged bullying by coaches, finds no violations

On Jan. 1, the Seattle Storm announced that an external investigation into alleged reports of harassment and bullying by the team's coaching staff had been closed without any violations found. The organization said in a statement:

"The Storm recently received internal allegations of potential workplace policy violations. 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."

The organization, led by former WNBA player Noelle Quinn, had fellow former player Ebony Hoffman on her coaching staff. The other members of the coaching staff include Pokey Chatman and Perry Huang as her assistants.