As the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches on Monday, the Seattle Storm have reiterated that they are in win-now mode after acquiring the No.2 overall pick through a three-team trade.
The Storm will feature a returning core of Ezi Magbegor and Nneka Ogwumike in the frontcourt and Skylar Diggins-Smith and Gabby Williams in the backcourt. In addition to this formidable lineup, the squad has strengthened its roster through free agency by adding guard Erica Wheeler.
Despite losing Jewell Loyd and gaining the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, the returns of Alysha Clark and Katie Lou Samuelson will further enhance Seattle’s depth and competitive edge. Additionally, the Storm have three first-round picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft, two of which they’ve acquired from Las Vegas and Los Angeles through trades.
“We’re really excited for the talent that we’re going to add,” Seattle Storm general manager Talisa Rhea said Thursday. “We’re in a unique spot to be able to add a player that will be able to contribute to a win-now mode. As we went through free agency, we built a roster to try to win-now, while accumulating some draft picks for the future, we believe that at two we’re going to get a player that will help us this year, as well as the long term.”
When putting together a team that can compete for a WNBA Championship, the Storm are in a need for a guard to contribute in addition to the players they brought in from the offseason.
Why Dominique Malonga Would Be a Perfect Fit for the Seattle Storm in 2025
ESPN women’s basketball analyst and Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo praised French forward-center Dominique Malonga for her play style, versatility, and athleticism. Additionally, last year, Malonga became the first woman to dunk in a game in the French league.
Malonga was additionally part of the French national team that won a silver medal in the Paris Olympics. Although they battled in a close game against the United States in the gold medal match last summer, Williams unfortunately had her foot over the line in a game tying shot. Malonga is familiar with some WNBA faces, including Williams and New York Liberty guard Marine Johannes.
“I’ve been watching film of her, and I can’t wait to get my eyes on her in person,” Lobo said. “To see a 6 foot 6 player with the versatility that she has, the ability to come off flare screens and hit threes at her size and her length. We’ve seen her with her dunk in the in the French league. The way she can move in space, she’s an incredible talent, and I’m eager to see the assumption is that she will go as high as number two. I’m really eager to see her playing in the W.”
Moreover, Seattle Storm has familiarity with drafting international bigs. In 2001, they selected Australian power forward and center Lauren Jackson at first overall. Jackson went on to win three Most Valuable Player awards and led the team to two championships in 2004 and 2010.
Should Seattle decide to head in a different direction, Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron is another option. Citron’s ability to make three-pointers, along with her defensive and rebounding skills, would fit nicely with the Storm. It would be a helpful lift considering the Storm ranked last in the WNBA with a 28.8 3-point percentage in 2024.
Despite missing out on Olivia Miles, who recently announced that she would forgo the 2025 Draft and transfer to TCU, Seattle could select Malonga or Citron to fill Loyd’s departure.
The Seattle Storm are optimistic about winning their fifth championship in franchise history. At the same time, they are focused on building for the future with the first-round picks they’ve acquired for next year’s draft, including the second overall pick.
