LandonBuford.com Staff
In a significant development for the Seattle Storm, Skylar Diggins-Smith has officially announced her move to the team via Instagram. The accomplished point guard, a standout in free agency, has signed a two-year deal, with the first-year contract valued at $219,000 and the second at $214,466, according to reports by Howard Megdal at The Next.
Skylar Diggins-Smith, at 33 years old, is undeniably one of the top point guards in the league, as evidenced by her stellar performance with the Phoenix Mercury in 2022. Finishing third in the league in scoring with an average of 19.7 points per game, she also showcased her playmaking abilities by nearly reaching a career-high in assists with 5.5 per game. Her well-rounded game also saw her achieve a career-best in rebounds, securing an average of 4.0 per game. These remarkable statistics earned her a fourth All-WNBA First-Team nod and garnered MVP votes.
Diggins-Smith’s transition to the Seattle Storm has been a hot topic during this free agency period for over a year, following reported tensions with the Phoenix Mercury. Her absence from play during the last season was attributed to maternity leave, further fueling speculation about her next landing spot.
The move to Seattle holds sentimental value for Diggins-Smith, reuniting her with former Notre Dame teammate Jewell Loyd. The duo played together during the 2012-13 season when Loyd was a freshman and Diggins-Smith a senior. Their journey with Notre Dame culminated in a Final Four appearance, adding an extra layer of familiarity and chemistry to the Storm’s roster.
Seattle strategically cleared cap space by trading guard Kia Nurse and the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft to the Los Angeles Sparks. This move positions the Storm for potentially two major signings, addressing the team’s needs after the retirement of Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart’s departure to the Liberty last offseason.
Diggins-Smith faced challenges during the 2023 season as she did not play following the birth of her second child. Moreover, tension escalated with the Mercury organization, which allegedly barred her from the practice facility and restricted her access to resources. This strained relationship, coupled with previous incidents, led to limited discussions and eventually paved the way for her move to Seattle.
Drafted No. 3 overall by the Tulsa Shock in 2013, which later moved to Dallas, Diggins-Smith spent six of her nine professional seasons with the franchise. She earned four of her six All-Star nods during her tenure, showcasing her dedication to the team even as she navigated challenges and changes.
Skylar Diggins-Smith’s move to the Seattle Storm marks a new chapter in her illustrious career. As the Storm enter a new era post-Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, the addition of Diggins-Smith brings a potent mix of skill, experience, and a renewed sense of excitement to the team and its fanbase. The reunion with Jewell Loyd and the strategic cap space maneuvers position the Storm as formidable contenders in the upcoming WNBA season.
