Despite an impressive Brittney Sykes trade right before the deadline, it’s not all sorted for the Seattle Storm. Sitting right at the center of the WNBA team ranking, they need to do more, or a little more than just a trade.
After bagging Skyes from the Washington Mystics, the Storm are still hunting for ways to fire up their offense, especially from beyond the arc. With a 16-13 record and a sixth-place spot in the standings, Seattle’s got their sights set on a deep playoff run. However, their shaky 3-point shooting is holding them back. Could another trade be the spark they need?
Seattle Storm Looking To Improve 3-Point Shooting After Brittney Sykes Trade
The Storm kicked off the season looking like sharpshooters, leading the league at 38.5% from three in the first month. But lately, they’ve hit a slump, sinking to a league-worst 29.8% over their last 16 games. During a tough loss to the Fever on August 3, they went a dismal 2-for-15 from deep. Additionally, they missed four game-tying shots in the final minute.
Seattle’s elite defense and star power, packed with Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and now Sykes, need a reliable outside shooter to open up the floor. According to High Post Hoops’ Elaine Blum, the Washington-based franchise is scouring the trade market for a shooter. As per the report, Rebecca Allen, Rachel Banham, Bria Hartley, or even Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey are floating around as possible targets.
Seattle’s got the assets to make it happen, too. Thanks to past deals, they’re sitting on two extra 2026 first-round picks from the Sparks and Aces, giving them ammo to dangle for a deal. A player like Mabrey, who’s hitting 36.2% from three and averaging 14.3 points, could be a game-changer. She could be a good depth addition behind Diggins. But with only $223 in cap space, per CBS Sports, any move will need to be precise, likely involving roster tweaks or salary dumps.
Breaking: The Seattle Storm have acquired Brittney Sykes from the Washington Mystics in exchange for Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke and Seattle's 2026 first-round draft pick, the Storm announced. pic.twitter.com/S32nVeptnM
— ESPN (@espn) August 5, 2025
However, Sykes, who’s averaging 15.4 points and 4.3 assists, brings a ton to the table with her slashing drives and lockdown defense. She’s a free-throw machine, ranking second in the league with 6.3 attempts per game. That’s why they signed her, and it will help the team that’s dead last in free-throw attempts.
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Seattle Storm Looking For A Sweet Spot Between Defense And Offense
The Sykes trade, which sent Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke, and a 2026 pick to Washington, shows Seattle’s all-in for 2025. Their defense, already second-best in the league, just got scarier with Sykes and Gabby Williams, both All-Defensive studs.
But their offense, ranked ninth in points per possession, needs a boost to keep up with powerhouses like Minnesota and New York. A 3-point shooter could stretch defenses, giving Sykes and Diggins room to attack.
With only a few hours left until the deadline, the Storm’s front office is under pressure. And expected to find that missing piece. With veterans like 35-year-old Ogwumike and Diggins, the window to contend is now. If they can land a sharpshooter to complement their new-look roster, Seattle might just have the firepower to make a serious playoff splash.