The Seattle Storm organization is turning the page after a tumultuous offseason marked by a months-long investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment by the coaching staff. Breaking her silence on the matter for the first time since the probe concluded without any violations being found, head coach Noelle Quinn characterized the experience as a learning opportunity.
“I believe that the organization did the right thing,” Quinn stated in her first media address following the investigation. “Throughout this entire process, the communication level was tremendously high. I felt supported in a lot of ways and I know my staff felt supported as well. With anything like this, it is important to take the right steps and our organization did that.”
Validating Offseason Moves
Storm general manager Talisa Rhea pointed to the team’s productive offseason as validation of how the franchise handled the challenging situation and of Quinn’s ongoing leadership role. “First, we let the process play out and that was very important to us and the integrity of that process,” Rhea explained. “Second, we’ve been locked in with Noelle this entire offseason and it’s been very clear through our free agency conversations that players do want to be here.”
Rhea emphasized that the current Storm roster is fully committed to Quinn and the team’s direction. “They believe in what we’re building here in Seattle. They want to play with Noelle. The group that we have here is totally bought in to that. So we’re very confident in Noelle and what she’s able to do with this group this year.”
Loyd Departs Amidst Probe
However, that group will notably not include six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd, who sources indicate filed the initial complaint against the coaching staff that sparked the investigation. After a decade in Seattle that included winning two WNBA titles, Loyd requested a trade and was ultimately dealt to the Las Vegas Aces in a three-team trade that brought the No. 2 overall draft pick to the Storm.
“We’ve had a strong relationship with Jewell and being able to be transparent and open in our communication. As last season went on and into this offseason, we wanted to do what we felt like was best for our organization and Jewell.”
– Talisa Rhea, Seattle Storm GM
Rhea acknowledged Loyd’s significant contributions to the Storm, becoming the face of the franchise after the retirement of Sue Bird and departure of Breanna Stewart in recent years. Loyd played a key role in recruiting star veterans like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike to Seattle last offseason.
Prioritizing Core Players
In the wake of trading Loyd, the Storm made re-signing two of their incumbent starters a main priority. The team used the core designation on forward Gabby Williams and brought back both her and unrestricted free agent Nneka Ogwumike on one-year contracts.
Seattle also made a big free agent splash by reuniting with versatile forward Alysha Clark, a key member of their 2018 and 2020 championship teams. Clark won a third WNBA title with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023 before deciding to return to the Storm.
“From our first week, we prioritized Alysha. Obviously a multi-championship player in this league. Has been in Seattle a lot of her career. We know what she can do on the defensive end but AC can also shoot the hell out of the basketball too.
– Noelle Quinn on Alysha Clark
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the No. 2 pick acquired in the Loyd trade, which Rhea described as an asset “that helps you win now and in the future”, the Storm seem poised to add an impact rookie to their retooled veteran core.
After weathering a stormy offseason, Coach Quinn expressed excitement for the opportunity to make a statement on the court in 2025. “Moving forward, the fact that we have built a tremendous roster — players who want to come and play for me, my staff, want to be a part of the organization — it will show the fans everything that they need to know about myself and what we’re building around Seattle.”
Quinn emphasized that the Storm remain committed to their core values. “This is a top-notch organization, an organization that stands for excellence and integrity. I lead in that way and I want to continue to exemplify that as well.” After a transformative and at times turbulent offseason, the Storm now look ahead to proving themselves anew as a WNBA powerhouse and perennial title contender.
