What happens to the Storm’s ability to use the core tag going forward if Ezi is traded?
I share your desire for us to keep her if it works for everyone and love the pair of her and Dom, but was curious what happens to core tag eligibility if the player is traded. Do we have the ability to core right away? Does it depend on when Ezi’s contract expires? Are we restricted still if we take back a core player in return? Appreciate the insights as always!
I will reach out to double-check this, but I believe if the Storm traded Ezi this offseason after placing the Core tag on her, then they could use the Core tag again on a different player in 2027. However, since the deadline to Core players is now over, they could NOT turnaround this year and put the Core tag on Gabby Williams or Brittney Sykes.
The other interesting thing to keep in mind, is that if they sign Ezi to a multi-year deal, then they won't be able to use the Core tag on another player for the duration of her contract. If Magbegor signed a four-year contract with Seattle, they would not be able to use the Core tag again until 2030. If they keep her, but only sign her to a one-year supermax deal, then they could use the Core tag again in 2027. But I don't believe they would be able to use it on Ezi since in 2027 there will be an additional rule where players with 7 years of service in the league (or more) will no longer be eligible to receive the Core tag even if they have only received the Core tag once before. The 2026 season will be Magbegor's 7th season in the WNBA.
I don't understand where this rumor that Ezi wants out of Seattle came from but I'm glad they cored her. Seems like they were being propagated by the same people who swear that Jewell Loyd was the only player that ever took issue with Noelle Quinn's coaching.
I worried before the 2025 season started where she'd fit in because Quinn was a bad coach and who had a shiny, new center to prioritize. But there's a difference between wanting away from the Storm organization (who still have a state-of-the-art practice facility and the same ownership) and not liking how they were coached by Quinn. Besides NY and LV (maybe PHX?), I don't see many more attractive landing places for FAs.
There are always Internet rumors going around. But they very well could just be BS people are making up. If you go back to my Ezi Magbegor Conundrum article, I wrote a lot about the situation and why I would understand if Ezi wanted to move on for a different opportunity.
To me, the smartest decision the Storm could make is to keep both Ezi and Dom Malonga together for the long term. They could easily be the team’s starting PF and C for the next 5+ years. Then Seattle can focus on the guards, with the #3 pick and having options like Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, Kiki Rice, or Flau’jae Johnson. They also have Jordan Horston who can slot into the 2 or 3 spot.
Maybe if Toronto throws in Sabally. Otherwise that's not enough return for Ezi.
What happens to the Storm’s ability to use the core tag going forward if Ezi is traded?
I share your desire for us to keep her if it works for everyone and love the pair of her and Dom, but was curious what happens to core tag eligibility if the player is traded. Do we have the ability to core right away? Does it depend on when Ezi’s contract expires? Are we restricted still if we take back a core player in return? Appreciate the insights as always!
I will reach out to double-check this, but I believe if the Storm traded Ezi this offseason after placing the Core tag on her, then they could use the Core tag again on a different player in 2027. However, since the deadline to Core players is now over, they could NOT turnaround this year and put the Core tag on Gabby Williams or Brittney Sykes.
The other interesting thing to keep in mind, is that if they sign Ezi to a multi-year deal, then they won't be able to use the Core tag on another player for the duration of her contract. If Magbegor signed a four-year contract with Seattle, they would not be able to use the Core tag again until 2030. If they keep her, but only sign her to a one-year supermax deal, then they could use the Core tag again in 2027. But I don't believe they would be able to use it on Ezi since in 2027 there will be an additional rule where players with 7 years of service in the league (or more) will no longer be eligible to receive the Core tag even if they have only received the Core tag once before. The 2026 season will be Magbegor's 7th season in the WNBA.
I don't understand where this rumor that Ezi wants out of Seattle came from but I'm glad they cored her. Seems like they were being propagated by the same people who swear that Jewell Loyd was the only player that ever took issue with Noelle Quinn's coaching.
I worried before the 2025 season started where she'd fit in because Quinn was a bad coach and who had a shiny, new center to prioritize. But there's a difference between wanting away from the Storm organization (who still have a state-of-the-art practice facility and the same ownership) and not liking how they were coached by Quinn. Besides NY and LV (maybe PHX?), I don't see many more attractive landing places for FAs.
Any information out there suggesting Ezi wants to be traded? I was surprised by your last sentence.
There are always Internet rumors going around. But they very well could just be BS people are making up. If you go back to my Ezi Magbegor Conundrum article, I wrote a lot about the situation and why I would understand if Ezi wanted to move on for a different opportunity.
To me, the smartest decision the Storm could make is to keep both Ezi and Dom Malonga together for the long term. They could easily be the team’s starting PF and C for the next 5+ years. Then Seattle can focus on the guards, with the #3 pick and having options like Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, Kiki Rice, or Flau’jae Johnson. They also have Jordan Horston who can slot into the 2 or 3 spot.
I really hope Ezi stays. This mass exodus is painful. 💔