Storm star Jewell Loyd requests trade after team’s bullying investigation finds no violations

The Seattle Storm appeared to avoid the consequences of an outside investigation into the bullying allegations until the other shoe dropped later Wednesday.

According to Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, Storm star point guard Jewell Loyd has requested a trade from the Storm. The request is reportedly related to the bullying and harassment allegations she made in a complaint against the Storm’s coaching staff, which led to an investigation that found no violations.

Loyd’s future in Seattle reportedly hinged on the belief that relations in the organization could be improved. We can probably figure out how she feels now.

The Storm said Wednesday that an external investigation did not result in any violations of team or league policies or any clear discrimination, harassment or bullying, according to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.

If the Storm grants Loyd’s request, it would be the end of a decades-long tenure in Seattle. The Storm selected Loyd first overall out of Notre Dame and watched her develop into a perennial All-Star and locker room leader. She also signed a two-year supermax extension last year.

Allegations of alleged harassment and bullying by the team’s coaching staff were first reported last month. We now know that Loyd was the focus. The abuse allegedly took place during practices and games and was related to the players’ performance during the 2024 season. The investigation was reportedly sparked by the experiences of several of the team’s players, but further details about the allegations are not known.

The Storm hired an outside law firm to investigate the claims. That investigation, which was known to the WNBA and the players’ association, was officially closed on Wednesday.

The Storm posted a 25-15 record last season and were defeated in the first round of the playoffs. This ended head coach Noelle Quinn’s fourth season with the franchise. She has posted a 74-68 record since taking over as the team’s head coach, and last season was her best season as a coach. She signed a multi-year extension last fall and assistant coach Pokey Chatman was promoted to assistant general manager in addition to her role on the coaching staff. Former WNBA player Ebony Hoffman was also an assistant coach last season. Perry Huang was also on staff but has since left the club to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate as an assistant.

The Storm will be the No. 9 pick in the WNBA Draft this spring. They then open the season on May 17th against the Phoenix Mercury.