WNBA Free Agency: $249,244 Storm guard's core designation may end Jewell Loyd's future in Seattle, says insider

On Tuesday, the Seattle Storm declared their stance on Gabby Williams, and the decision might jeopardize Jewell Loyd's future at the franchise.

As per ESPN's Kevin Pelton, the Storm designated Williams as a core player on Tuesday. This means the French international will not become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

The four-time WNBA champions can now offer the versatile wing a one-year contract of the highest possible salary in the league, which amounts to $249,244. Noa Dalzell from SB Nation believes that Williams getting designated as a core player makes the situation tough for another guard from the same team.

"If Williams wants out, the Storm could look to trade both her and Loyd this offseason, shaking up what was expected by some to be on the WNBA’s top teams prior to the 2024 season," Dazell wrote in an article on Tuesday. "But, if Williams is to stay in Seattle, she’ll likely emerge as a cornerstone of the franchise, alongside Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith."

Loyd has been with the Seattle Storm for almost a decade. The franchise drafted her as the first pick in the 2015 draft, and she has nurtured her career with them in an upward trajectory since then.

However, the Green and White did not have the best run last season, and it was the same for Loyd. The six-time All-Star had her career's most inefficient season. She averaged 19.7 points on 36.0% shooting from the field and 27.4% from downtown.

Her 3-point shooting percentage took a big drop compared to the 2023 season. In 2023, she was shooting 37.0% from the field and 35.6% from downtown. Moreover, as per Annie Costabile from the Chicago Sun-Times, Loyd had requested a trade in December.

Why did Jewell Loyd request a trade from the Storm?

Jewell Loyd spent almost a decade at the franchise that drafted her. She won two championships and made a name for herself in the league wearing the Green and White colors. So, when she requested a trade, it came as a shock to many.

However, Loyd's trade request had nothing to do with her to start afresh. The Storm guard alleged she was bullied and harassed by the team's coaching staff.

The franchise ran an investigation but found no proof, after which Loyd requested a trade. As per ESPN's Kevin Pelton, the team ran an external investigation and concluded without any proof of discrimination or violation of workplace policies.

Loyd has yet to make any statements about her future, but fans can expect her team to find a suitable trade deal for her this offseason.