The Seattle Storm is widely regarded as having one of the more stable long-term prospects in the WNBA. Currently, the team is performing at a high level, with All-Stars Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Gabby Williams leading the charge towards a postseason run.
Looking ahead, the Storm appears well-positioned for sustained success. Rising talent Dominique Malonga is seen as the future face of the franchise, especially following Seattle’s strategic decision to trade former scoring champion Jewell Loyd earlier this year, securing three first-round picks in the 2026 draft.
As the August 7 WNBA trade deadline approaches, Seattle’s moves could significantly impact the league. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton suggests that with a solid 15-11 record and fifth place in the standings, the Storm has the flexibility to make a backcourt upgrade without compromising their future assets.
Pelton forecasts a potential trade where Seattle might take on $185,000 of salary to acquire three-time WNBA champion Alisha Clark from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for guard Marina Mabry. This deal would also send injured Katie Lou Samuelson and one of Seattle’s 2026 first-round picks to Connecticut, which is in rebuilding mode.
Twenty-eight-year-old Mabry, who demanded a trade from the Sun earlier this year, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. While she’s averaging 14.7 points per game this season, her shooting percentage is a modest 36%. A change in environment could help her improve her efficiency, given her talent as a former Notre Dame standout.
Clark, 38, was recognized as the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year in 2023 and has won three WNBA titles, including championships with the Storm in 2018 and 2020, as well as with the Las Vegas Aces. If traded, she would bring valuable experience and defensive prowess to her new team, provided an acquisition deal with the Sun around April 20 comes to fruition.
Fan Take: This trade speculation highlights how the Storm is balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term planning, a strategy that could keep them at the forefront of the league for years. For WNBA fans, moves like these underscore the growing sophistication and excitement of roster-building, promising an even more dynamic and competitive league ahead.
