After Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces), Satou Sabally (Dallas Wings) and Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), it is the French international Gabby Williams who was “locked” by her club, since her Seattle franchise designated her as “core player” of its roster, which could be translated as “main player” of the team. This is basically the equivalent of a “protected free agent” status.
According to the collective agreement, WNBA teams have until January 20 to make this choice before free agency. A measure which could be accompanied by a “max” contract for the person concerned, who benefits from this status for the first time in her career. The max contract in the WNBA peaks at $249,244 per season.
Divorce from Jewell Loyd changes things for Seattle
After a breathtaking Olympic campaign where she narrowly missed being the French heroine in the final lost by a hair to the United States (66-67), Gabby Williams missed the start of the 2024 WNBA season. She made up for it brilliantly by signing her best career stats across the Atlantic with 10.3 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 interceptions on average on 12 regular season games before averaging 17 points in two playoff games lost to the Las Vegas Aces, defending champions.
It's a strategic decision that may come as a surprise given that Gabby Williams had returned to Seattle against the promise of not being protected in this way at the end of the campaign.
Except that things have changed quite a bit in the Emerald City, Jewell Loyd having asked to leave after accusing the “coaching staff” of harassment. Even if an independent investigation did not substantiate the team's star's accusations, the latter would have to pack her bags, and the club could not afford to let the French player go… or at least to see her leave without counterpart.
Even if she therefore receives a maximum contract offer, Gabby Williams could therefore request her transfer, but thanks to this “core player” status, the Storm would then be able to arrange an exchange.
