Jewell Loyd has been a topic of discussion recently.
The 31-year-old filled a complaint against Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn, allegedly accusing her of harassment and bullying during games and practices. She was unsuccessful in her complaint and, as a result, requested a trade. This is huge news as she has spent the whole of her career at the Seattle Storm.
Loyd has had nothing short of a illustrious career thus far. She is a two-time WNBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World champion. Her personal accolades include: six-time All-Star, one scoring title and Rookie of the Year (2015).
Previously at the Indiana Fever Report, we discussed why Loyd moving to the franchise would be a good idea. But now we give the potential downsides of Loyd requesting a trade to the Fever.
Who will they give up for Jewell Loyd
It will be difficult for Fever to trade for Loyd because of her contract and free agency in 2026. She only has one year remaining on her contract for $249,032 before becoming a free agent. This price is an issue, as the Fever could be priced out of a deal for the 31-year-old.
The Indiana Fever may have to give up a vital piece to trade for Loyd, which is far from ideal as they are a franchise on the rise. The Fever had a respectable 2024 season, only falling short in the first round of the playoffs to a well-seasoned Connecticut Sun squad.
If Kelsey Mitchell does not come back in free agency, Loyd may be the most logical option in the trading market. However, the Storm may require the Fever to give up too much in order for the trade to be feasible.
She is not a long term option
At 31-years-old Loyd is not an option for the future.
The 2015 Rookie of the Year's best years are probably behind her, and she may not be in the right frame of mind after nothing came from her complaints against her former coaches. An aging player that is winding down is also not ideal for the franchise as they want to build a contending team long term.
The Fever have laid this foundation with a young core consisting of NaLyssa Smith, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark. The trio will only get better the more they play with each other as they will gain a more refined understanding of each other's game.
Loyd may not be at her best
If Loyd comes it remains to be seen what kind of player they will be getting as she didn't perform as well as what she would like last season.
Despite averaging 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 27% from three point line last year. Both her three-point and her overall field goal percentages have been in a steady decline for the last five years.
This makes the 31-year-old a potential risk, especially when you consider the Fever are well stocked in the guard position if Kelsey Mitchell returns in free agency.