Katie Lou Samuelson Joins Seattle Storm in a Move That Benefits Both Sides
Katie Lou Samuelson is heading to the Seattle Storm, according to a report by Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press. This transaction adds to an already eventful WNBA free agency period and seems to be a positive move for both Samuelson and the Storm as they aim to be competitive next season.
The 27-year-old wing previously played for the Indiana Fever but had a limited role last season after returning from maternity leave. She recorded her lowest minutes per game (18.2) and field goal percentage (34.9%) since her rookie season. Last year, she signed a two-year, $355,000 contract with the Fever, but the team agreed to a buyout earlier this month.
Had Samuelson remained in Indiana, her role would likely have been even more reduced next season. The Fever’s roster is packed with high-level guards and wings, including Caitlin Clark, DeWanna Bonner, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Sophie Cunningham. Clark, Bonner, and Mitchell are All-Stars, while Hull and Cunningham are regarded as elite role players in the league.
What Samuelson Brings to Seattle
Samuelson is the second Fever player to join the Storm this offseason, following guard Erica Wheeler. She offers Seattle an additional shooter with size. During her four years at UConn, she averaged 16.7 points per game while shooting 41.5% from the field. However, her WNBA production has yet to match her college success. Over five seasons, she has averaged 5.9 points in 20.1 minutes per game, shooting 38.9% from the field and 33.6% from three. She has played for five teams: Chicago Sky (2019), Dallas Wings (2020), Seattle Storm (2021), Los Angeles Sparks (2022), and Indiana Fever (2024). Her return to Seattle marks the first time she has rejoined a former WNBA team.
Currently, Samuelson is playing in Unrivaled, where she has averaged 6.6 points in 9.5 minutes per game for the Phantom. This offseason, Seattle made several moves, including re-signing Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams, signaling their commitment to keeping their core intact. Ezi Magbegor and Skylar Diggins-Smith were already under contract, and Seattle acquired the No. 2 draft pick and Li Yueru in exchange for Jewell Loyd, who requested a trade.
The Storm have also adjusted their bench, trading for Sparks guard Lexie Brown and signing former Sixth Player of the Year Alysha Clark. With Jordan Horston and Nika Muhl sidelined due to ACL injuries, Samuelson’s addition provides much-needed depth.
Ultimately, this move benefits both parties. Seattle gains a reliable shooter off the bench, while Samuelson joins a team that values her skill set. The Storm, who finished as the WNBA’s fifth seed last season before being swept by the Aces in the first round, are looking to contend. With a strong roster and a state-of-the-art practice facility, Seattle could position itself as a title contender if everything falls into place.
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