Jewell Loyd has re-signed with the Seattle Storm on a two-year deal. The signing comes after the Storm placed the core tag on Loyd early on in free agency.
“Seattle is my second home and I’m excited to return and win more championships with this amazing group,” said Loyd.
🐍 𝗦𝗛𝗘'𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞!! 🐍@jewellloyd is staying in Seattle! 🙌
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) February 1, 2022
📰: https://t.co/fvQZq88O6h#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/kQ8U1T47xb
Loyd’s status remained unknown during free agency, despite the Storm having placed the core tag on the former No. 1 overall pick. According to ESPN’s Andraya Carter, Loyd had met with the New York Liberty during the last week of January.
During seven seasons with the Storm, Loyd has averaged 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Loyd is a two-time WNBA Champion, three-time All-Star and 2021 All-WNBA First Team member. She’s also scored in double-figures in 168 games throughout her career, the third-most by a player since 2015.
The 2021 season was one of Loyd’s best, averaging 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 assists – all career-highs. She had the WNBA’s highest-scoring game on the season with 37 points against Phoenix on Sept. 17. She also tied the WNBA record with 22 points in the first quarter of the game.
“Jewell is a special talent with a tremendous work ethic and having her back greatly improves our chances of contending for a fifth championship,” said Noelle Quinn, Storm Head Coach. “Last season, she evolved into an elite defender, combining with her offensive firepower to solidify why she’s among the best in the league.”
She became the third Storm player to reach 3,000 career points during the 2021 season and is the 12th-youngest WNBA player to reach the milestone.
“As one of the best players in the WNBA and a critical piece to our future success, keeping Jewell in Seattle was a top priority for us,” said Talisa Rhea, Storm General Manager. “Her dedication to improving her game and her leadership both on and off the court embodies the championship culture we have developed here.”
The Storm will also return Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird in what is likely Bird’s final season.