Jewell Loyd’s trade from the Seattle Storm to the Las Vegas Aces marks the end of an era and the beginning of a promising new chapter in her career. After a decade with the Storm, during which she became a cornerstone of the franchise, Loyd’s departure signifies a major shift for both her and the teams involved.
Impact on Seattle Storm: The trade allows the Storm to focus on rebuilding, as evidenced by their improved draft position—from No. 9 to No. 2—setting them up to select a top prospect like Paige Bueckers or Olivia Miles. Additionally, the acquisition of veteran center Li Yueru and a 2026 first-round pick bolsters their long-term strategy. While the Storm lose a prolific scorer in Loyd, who ranks third in franchise history with 5,536 points, the trade creates opportunities for fresh talent to emerge.
Jewell Loyd’s Legacy in Seattle: Loyd’s tenure with the Storm is marked by clutch performances, including eight game-winning shots. As a part of the “Big Three” alongside Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, Loyd was instrumental in the team’s WNBA titles in 2018 and 2020. Her league-leading 24.7 points per game in 2023 highlighted her offensive prowess. Despite these accomplishments, her final season in Seattle was marred by controversy, as allegations of mistreatment within the coaching staff led to her trade request. Nonetheless, Loyd’s gratitude toward Storm fans showcases her deep connection with the Seattle community.
What Loyd Brings to the Aces: Loyd joins a Las Vegas Aces team already positioned as a powerhouse in the WNBA. Her scoring ability and experience will complement the Aces’ existing roster, adding depth and versatility. Loyd’s enthusiasm for joining the Aces indicates her readiness to embrace new challenges and contribute to a title-contending team.
Future Outlook: At her first news conference with the Aces, Loyd expressed optimism about her next decade in the league, suggesting she believes her best basketball is yet to come. Her upcoming return games to Seattle on May 25 and June 1 will be highly anticipated, offering fans a chance to celebrate her contributions while witnessing her growth in a new environment.
In summary, the trade reshapes the trajectories of both the Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces while providing Loyd with an opportunity to redefine her legacy. The Storm can now build for the future, while Loyd has the chance to further her career in a competitive setting. This transaction illustrates the dynamic nature of the WNBA and sets the stage for an exciting 2025 season.
