SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle Storm were involved in a blockbuster trade today as they swapped players and picks with three other franchises to eventually land Katie Lou Samuelson. The trade does see fan favorites Natasha Howard and Sami Whitcomb depart though.
Transaction 1
Seattle Receives: 2021 #1 Overall pick, PHO 2022 1st Round Pick, NYL 2022 2nd Round Pick
New York Receives: Natasha Howard
Transaction 2
Seattle Receives: Mikiah Herbert Harrigan
Minnesota Receives: PHO 2022 1st Round Pick
Transaction 3
Seattle Receives: Rights to Stephanie Talbot
New York Receives: Sami Whitcomb
Transaction 4
Seattle Receives: Katie Lou Samuelson, DAL 2022 2nd Round Pick
Dallas Receives: 2021 #1 Overall Pick
Breakdown
Mid way through this trade, it looked like Seattle flipped aging players who were due for contract extensions into what could possibly be turned into the future. Then came the final transaction that flipped the #1 overall pick into Katie Lou Samuelson.
Does Samuelson have the talent and ability to be a really solid player in this league? Sure. Has she done much of anything in her two years in the WNBA? No.
She was a standout player at UConn and was even a teammate with Brianna Stewart in her freshman year. While a Huskie, Katie was twice named AAC player of the year and is 1 of 10 players in program history to reach 2000 career points. However, in two seasons in the league, she has been on two different teams and has not been the player many thought she would be. In 42 games played, she is averaging 3.8 pts, 1.7 reb and 0.9 ast.
Again, the potential is there for this to be a possible steal, but for the time being this is a head scratcher for the leagues top franchise. Harrigan and Talbot can be solid pick ups and give the Storm depth in a frontcourt that loses Howard. Overall though, this grade is going to get a C- from us.
Pro.elisportsnetwork.com
Russell is the Content Director for the Eli Network. He studied broadcast journalism at Eastern Oregon and North Dakota State University. Mostly covers soccer and basketball in the Seattle area and is the current play-by-play voice for Seattle Redhawks basketball. You can follow him @brussbrwn.
