The Seattle Storm completed the top item on their 2024 offseason agenda before the 2023 season ended, signing Jewell Loyd to a two-year contract extension in early September.
When the extension was announced, President and CEO Alisha Valavanis said of Loyd, “She is a franchise player, and we are excited to continue to build our future around her.” Head coach Noelle Quinn shared a similar sentiment, saying, “She is our leader and someone that we look forward to locking arms with heading into this new era of Storm basketball.” Then, after the WNBA Draft Lottery determined that the Storm would receive the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft, General Manager Talisa Rhea stated, “As we continue our off-season, ignited by Jewell’s commitment to stay in Seattle, we know this draft pick, coupled with our strategy in free agency, will be essential to building a roster ready to compete in the upcoming season.”
These quotations make it clear that the Storm aim to reciprocate Loyd’s commitment to Seattle by surrounding her with a team capable of returning to playoff contention.
The Storm’s 2023 record—11-29 and 11th in the standings—suggests this is a tall task. However, if the organization can sign an All-Star-level player while making a few smart additions to bolster the rotation, a trip back to the playoffs—and maybe more—seems like a reasonable ambition for 2024.
Facts and figures*
Players under contract (contract status; 2024 salary)
- Dulcy Fankham Mendjiadeu ($66,697)
- Jordan Horston (unprotected; $69,663)
- Jewell Loyd (protected veteran; $241,984)
- Mercedes Russell (protected veteran; $160,000)
- Ezi Magebegor (protected veteran; $155,000)
- Jade Melbourne (unprotected: $63,532)
- Kia Nurse (protected veteran; $142,000)
- Sami Whitcomb (protected veteran; $140,000)
Free agent (type; 2023 salary)
- Joyner Holmes (restricted; $60,736)
- Yvonne Turner (unrestricted; $74,305)
- Gabby Williams (unrestricted; $100,000)
Total average salary of free agents: $235,041
Total team salary: $1,039,278
Cap space: $423,924
2024 WNBA Draft picks (2024 salary)
- Round 1, No. 4 ($76,535)
- Round 2, No. 14 ($67,249)
- Round 3, No. 26 ($64,514)
Analysis
The Storm should not hesitate exercise a significant portion of their $423,924 in cap…
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