When reports started circulating that Seattle Storm star Jewell Loyd was requesting a trade, the immediate question was understandably, where to?
The Golden State Valkyries instantly started to spring up as a potential landing spot and after Loyd’s debut performance in Unrivaled, the case is not hard to make as to why they should try and land the services of Loyd.
The Premier Matchup of the Night
Loyd found herself across from her likely, soon to be former, Seattle Storm teammate Skylar Diggins-Smith in a matchup that stole the show on the night of Unrivaled’s debut. The two guards went back and forth including a massive block from Loyd on Diggins-Smith, but the last laugh would go to Diggins-Smith who would hit the game sealing three.
The Fun is Back
Even though the final score of the game did not go in Loyd’s favor, it was an incredibly encouraging sight from Loyd. In that matchup it showed a fire that felt to be missing from Loyd over the course of last WNBA season where she struggled in comparison to Loyd’s previous seasons.
The 30 point outing served as a reminder to fans and potentially the Golden State front office that she still is one of the best bucket getters in the league.
In the postgame press conference, Loyd echoed the sentiment of finding her fun again playing basketball saying "I'm just getting back to me. I'm getting back to peace, getting back to finding a joy in basketball. That was the biggest thing in my mind, just go play hard... being around my teammates has definitely ignited something."
The Case for Golden State
A Jewell Loyd that is having fun playing basketball is a Jewell Loyd that can win you basketball games. That is also a player that can serve as the star to mold your franchise around.
Stylistically it is a fit to Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase’s emphasis on three point shooting. Business wise it matches with the mentality of owner Joe Lacob who has shown he likes to make big moves for star players based on his time with the Golden State Warriors.
If Jewell Loyd is truly back to her form and has moved past last season, the Valkyries could be the perfect next spot for her to have joy in basketball.