After the season ended, the Seattle Storm has been in the spotlight. Not for the best reasons, though. First, there was an investigation into allegations of mistreatment against their coaching staff. Now, it’s all about Jewell Loyd, their star player, reportedly requesting a trade. But are the two connected? Seems like they are. And fans also have pretty mixed reactions to the trade buzz. 

Loyd, a two-time WNBA champion and the Storm’s No. 1 overall pick in 2015 has been the face of Seattle basketball for nearly a decade. Sources say her trade request comes after she filed a complaint against the team’s coaching staff, which sparked the investigation.

The Storm announced on Wednesday that an external probe found no policy violations, but the fallout seems far from over. Loyd has reportedly set her sights on Chicago. Loyd’s frustration with the franchise seems tied to deeper issues. 

The Storm had signed her to a two-year supermax extension in 2023, betting on her leadership to rebuild after a rough season. That extension helped lure stars like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike, who even praised Loyd as a reason for joining the team. 

But despite a strong 2024 regular season, cracks were evident, with a lack of chemistry and repeated calls for accountability. Back in September, coach Noelle Quinn said in a press conference, “Sometimes when I talk to you guys, it’s immediately after a high emotional situation,” while answering a question about the disconnect with the team.

Now, with just one year and $249,032 left on Storm’s guard’s contract, she might take her talent to the Chicago Sky. The speculation is heating up, with fans debating the logistics. “Jewell Loyd to Chicago for the #3 pick? 👁️?” one fan tweeted. While some are thrilled at the idea of her joining the Sky, others see the move as a complex puzzle.

Jewell Loyd’s trade request sparks mixed reactions: Chicago bound?

But not everyone’s convinced it’ll be a smooth transition.“…but what else could Chicago offer them? Because her salary is very large,” another pointed out. With one year and $249,032 left on her contract, finding a fair trade will be tricky. Especially with many free agents hitting the market in 2026.

Still, some fans are thrilled at the prospect of bringing the baller to Chicago. “Bring her home, @chicagosky,” one wrote. Born in Lincolnwood, Illinois, she strongly connects to the state where she first started her basketball career at Niles West High School. It’s a full-circle moment for many.

A third penned, “Jewell Loyd, a better 3-point shooter than everybody on the Sky combined.” As one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the W, they sit last in the league in both attempts (14.5) and makes (4.5) per game. The 31-year-old hasn’t had a very impressive 3-point shooting record, but she is known as one of the best clutch shooters.

There’s also a chance the LA Sparks could enter the picture; as one commented, “The Sparks can offer the #2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft for Loyd, but you would have to think Loyd would have to sign a contract extension first @LASparksPR.” 

In the end, while some fans are disappointed by the situation, it’s not exactly a shock. Many W fans expressed, “We saw it coming,” and “Sad but not surprised.” After all, this move seemed inevitable due to the tension between Loyd and the team. We’ll just have to wait and see where she lands. If she goes to Chicago, it’ll be interesting to see how she pairs up with Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.