When Seattle Storm general manager Talisa Rhea brought in stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith ahead of last season, it was with the intention of creating a big four that could compete with giants like Las Vegas and New York. Having that kind of talent paired with MVP candidate Jewell Loyd and All-Star Ezi Macbegor created a clear “win-now” feel in the Emerald City.
A 25-15 record and a second-round exit later, Loyd is off the roster after a prolonged investigation into her allegations that the team’s coaching staff was mistreating players. Though the investigation found no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing, moving an MVP candidate — especially when it happens in a confrontational manner as it did with Loyd — is never enjoyable.
But the Storm were able to make the most out of a bitter situation, acquiring the No.2 pick in this year’s WNBA draft in a three-team trade with the Sparks and Aces.
On Monday night, Seattle used that selection to take 6-foot-6 French phenom Dominique Malonga.
The 19-year-old has professional and Olympic experience, having competed with French club Lyon and the French national team. Malonga is currently averaging 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game for Lyon, but Rhea and Storm head coach Noelle Quinn don’t want to put the onus on the teenager to shine right away.
“I’ve been wrapping my mind around how we can best utilize our lineups. I think the great part about it is (Malonga) is so young. And so there’s no pressure to come in here to be a superstar or All-Star day one,” Quinn said in a post-draft press conference.
Couldn't leave New York without witnessing Dominique dunk 😤 pic.twitter.com/2JPTHTL3zd
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 15, 2025
It will be an interesting fit to have Malonga, who has gone viral for her ability to dunk with ease, presumably start alongside the 6-foot-4 and 25-year-old Macbegor.
Unfortunately, Quinn will have to find lineups that work without 2023 first-round pick Jordan Horston, who will miss the season with a torn ACL.
The big picture is where things get confusing.
With Diggins-Smith, who had a career resurgence in 2024 after a maternity-leave season in 2023, nearing 35 years old and Ogwumike (who finished seventh in MVP voting last year) in the same boat age-wise, the team’s direction going forward is a real question.
The good news for fans who want to see the Storm compete this season is that Malonga isn’t an ordinary teenager. Her professional experience spans a few seasons, and that could help ease her into the world’s most elite league.
“She’s been playing against a lot of players and with a lot of players that are in our league,” Rhea said. “Our league is totally different than what she’s experienced, and to go night in and night out against the competition in our league will be an adjustment, but she’s done it before.”
The WNBA is unpredictable, but the Storm won’t have Macbegor, Diggins-Smith or Ogwumike rostered in 2026 as it stands — each has an expiring contract this upcoming offseason. It should be noted that Macbegor had her contract extended mid-season in 2024 to avoid impending free agency, and the same is a possibility in the coming months.
While the roster should compete this year, given the star power even without Loyd, the Storm seem to be heading for an inevitable rebuild as soon as next year.
Seattle brought in plenty of youth with their three third-round picks, taking Kansas State star Serena Sundell, TCU sharpshooter Madison Conner and Michigan’s Jordan Hobbs.
That amount of youth and experience on a roster can create mismatched timelines. Younger players need years to develop into their primes, while veterans like Diggins-Smith and Ogwumike have limited opportunities left to impact winning.
Rhea made it clear the Storm would try and split the needle with their goals going forward in a February presser after acquiring the pick that became Malonga.
“It’s a tough balance to be able to maintain, we feel like the No. 2 pick is definitely a pick that helps you win now and in the future,” Rhea said. “While we do have our eye on the goal to win now, also being set up for the years to come as well is important.”
The WNBA season starts in a few weeks and how Malonga, who is still finishing up a playoff run with Lyon in France, develops in the short term will inform how Seattle competes in 2025. But thanks to expiring deals clearing space for a potential youth infusion, the Storm will have the assets to win soon, regardless of this season’s outcome.
This story originally appeared in qasimsports.medium.com. Follow Qasim Ali on X: @qasimasports
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