Championships may be won on the court, but true connections are built beyond the game. In a league where loyalty is rare, Jewell Loyd proved that some bonds go beyond franchises, contracts, and championships. Despite completing her blockbuster move to Las Vegas Aces, she made sure to celebrate her old Seattle Storm teammate’s overseas triumph on social media. Her two-word message was a reminder that the real ones always stick together.

Loyd completed her move to Las Vegas just five days before free agency. In a blockbuster three-team trade, Seattle snagged the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft and center Li Yueru. Los Angeles acquired two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum from Vegas. The Aces landed six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd from Seattle. The 2015 No. 1 pick spent all 9 years of her WNBA career at Seattle, making memories that she is sure to cherish forever.

One memory that still holds meaning for Loyd is her bond with Sami Whitcomb. Whitcomb joined the Storm two seasons after Loyd did and their escapades made them fan favorites at the franchise. The two went on to win the 2018 WNBA finals together.

So when the 36-year-old Bendigo Spirit guard won the prestigious 24/25 Suzy Batkovic medal as the Most Valuable Player, Loyd couldn’t be prouder. The 31-year-old Aces guard re-shared WNBL’s post on her story, celebrating Whitcomb’s achievement with just two words: “slight work.” In that short message, Loyd made it clear – Whitcomb’s talent makes success look effortless.

And as the stats show, Loyd wasn’t wrong. Whitcomb dominated the WNBL, leading the league with 21 PPG while dishing out 5 assists per game (3rd overall). The 2-time WNBL champion put together a season worthy of every accolade.

For those who thought she would be returning to Australia permanently, here’s some good news. The Phoenix Mercury signed Whitcomb on February 2, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Loyd. Will the former teammates go head-to-head? That’s up to their coaches, but one thing’s certain, they’ve already created unforgettable moments together.

From WNBA triumphs to new challenges

The two veteran WNBA stars both played a role in Seattle’s 2018 championship run. While Whitcomb was part of the 2020 roster, she did not compete in the Finals due to personal reasons. However, 2020 was the end of Whitcomb’s first stint at Seattle. She joined the New York Liberty for two seasons where she scored a career 30 points against Atlanta Dream. The Australian soon returned to Seattle in 2023 for a second stint. The two exited the club they achieved the most success together around the same time.

The duo are known for sharing undeniable chemistry on the court. While Whitcomb was mainly used as a bench player, her heroics after coming on left both fans and her teammates awestruck. The duo was most memorable during the “Wubble” era when they connected for numerous clutch plays to take the team to final glory. Whitcomb’s shooting stretched defenses, opening up scoring lanes for the quick Loyd.

Even in the twilight of her career, Whitcomb’s chemistry with Loyd remained electric. In a clash against the New York Liberty, she threaded a pinpoint pass to Loyd at the top of the key. This was just one of many seamless connections they orchestrated last season. As the 2025 WNBA season looms, their paths may cross once again. Not just as former teammates, but as competitors. Whitcomb’s move to Mercury signals that her impact is far from over, while Loyd begins a new chapter with the reigning champions. Yet, their story is a reminder that some partnerships, no matter where they take place, leave an imprint that lasts far beyond the final buzzer.

For Storm fans, it’s bittersweet. For basketball purists, it’s proof that chemistry and camaraderie often matter just as much as talent.