Managing WNBA Draft Assets

Could the Storm make another win-now move?

This has been a fascinating off-season for the Seattle Storm. There was unfortunate news about the bullying and harassment claim and then the subsequent request by Jewell Loyd to be traded.

The organization was respectful of Loyd’s request, even sending her to her preferred destination (Las Vegas). During this week’s press conference, General Manager Talisa Rhea had nothing but positive things to say about Jewell Loyd and what she meant for the Seattle Storm franchise.

“Jewell meant a lot to this organization. She built a lot with us here. Noelle and I have been a part of a couple championships with Jewell. This is not to take away anything that Jewell did during her time here with Seattle. We are very appreciative for that and we’ll continue to be.”

For me personally, Loyd’s departure is bittersweet. I started covering the Seattle Storm during Loyd’s rookie season in 2015. While I grew up going to Storm games with my father from the very beginning, my journey from fan to respected journalist began in 2015. Just as I grew into my role as a beat reporter covering the Storm, I watched Jewell develop into one of the most talented shooting guards in the entire league. During her tenure, I saw Loyd bring the Storm back from the cellar of the WNBA standings to become a two-time WNBA Champion winning Seattle’s third and fourth titles.

I’m sorry that things didn’t work out for Jewell in Seattle. Not long ago it felt like she was going to be a Storm member for life just as Sue Bird was. It’ll be a bit awkward to see her wearing an Aces’s jersey at first but as long as she finds her happiness, that’s all that matters.

The good news regarding Loyd’s departure is that it puts the Storm’s roster building more into focus. It leaves a large hole at the Shooting Guard position (for now). With Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams re-signing this off-season, they are displaying their commitment to the franchise. The team also owns the #2 overall pick and three first-round picks in 2026.

As I’ve written about recently, the team can compete now for a championship while building for the future. Despite entering her 6th WNBA season, Ezi Magbegor is still just 25 years old. Jordan Horston (23) has already proven she can be a strong asset to the team for the next several years. And whichever player they select at #2 overall (Miles is 22, Malonga is 19, etc.) should be another talented piece to build around. If the team keeps all three of those first-round picks, they should be able to add a couple more starters or impact bench players.

I asked Talisa Rhea during the press conference about the importance of having those draft assets and the balance between building for the future and competing now.

“Yeah, it’s a great question. Sometimes it’s a tough balance to be able to maintain. I feel like the number two pick is definitely a pick that helps you win now and in the future. So we’re really excited we were able to acquire that. And then the picks next year, I think are really important with so much uncertainty next year. The CBA changing, new teams coming in, probably more expansion drafts. To be able to have three first-round picks, to be able to use them to either bring in new talent next year or as assets for future moves is critical to being able to be in a position to maintain success. While we do have our eye on the goal to win now also being set up for the years to come as well is important,” Rhea told me.

Her words are key here. If Seattle decides to keep all three of their picks, they might end up with at least one of Flau’jae Johnson, Cotie McMahon, or Kiki Rice. There are a lot of other talented players in what appears to be another deep draft. It’s also important to remember that if the Los Angeles Sparks were to miss the playoffs in 2025, their pick that belongs to Seattle could easily end up #1 overall. And likely would be a guaranteed Top 3 overall pick due to the two-year Draft Lottery rule.

The Sparks should have a much-improved team if Cameron Brink comes back healthy and with the addition of All-Star Guard Kelsey Plum. But five teams will miss the playoffs in 2025, and offhand I believe there are only three teams that will be worse than the Sparks. That would be the Golden State Valkyries, the Connecticut Sun, and the Washington Mystics. Even then, the Mystics were clearly a better team than LA last year and will add the 4th and 6th overall picks to their roster. I don’t love the Phoenix Mercury’s lack of depth (they are so top-heavy) and I’m not certain the Dallas Wings’ pieces will fit together. But overall, I believe the LA Sparks have a greater chance of missing the playoffs than they do of being a Top 5 team.

I wrote back on January 21st, that the Storm could land Paige Bueckers. That was before the Jewell Loyd trade. Back then, I suggested that Seattle could acquire the #3 overall pick and use one or two of their future first-round picks to move up to #1 overall. Since that article, the Storm have acquired the #2 overall pick AND an extra first-round pick in 2026. They have even more assets than I expected and they could try to use them for a deal that lands them Bueckers.

However, that’s not what this article is about. That’s a previous speculation that could still come true, but Seattle has other options.