The Seattle Storm agreed to a contract with Erica Wheeler on Wednesday, according to the WNBA's account on X (formerly Twitter). Wheeler, who played alongside Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever in 2024, is set to join the Storm for the 2025 campaign.
Seattle Storm sign veteran Erica Wheeler
The Storm will receive a boost from Wheeler, who has played in the WNBA since the 2015 season. Her veteran prowess will surely help Seattle in 2025.
Wheeler has played with the Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream and the Fever so far in her WNBA career. She has made one All-Star team as well, a feat she accomplished in 2019 with the Fever.
Wheeler is most known for her time in Indiana. She first joined the Fever in 2016, and she played in Indiana until 2019. The veteran guard would later return for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. However, she saw a decrease in playing time last year.
She averaged 3.6 points, 1.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds across 39 games played in 2024. Wheeler's 14 minutes per outing was her lowest mark since her rookie season in 2015. Perhaps she will receive more playing time in Seattle with the Storm.
Wheeler is certainly still capable of making a positive impact in the WNBA. In 2023, she averaged just under 10 points per game to go along with 5.0 assists per outing. This could end up becoming one of the most underrated signings of the offseason.
Storm preparing for 2025 season
The Storm have made a few moves so far this offseason. Seattle competed in 2024, but they have uncertainty heading into the new campaign. Adjusting to life without Jewell Loyd, who was traded to the Las Vegas Aces, could prove to be difficult.
With that being said, there is reason to believe that this Storm team could enjoy another competitive season. Making a championship run may be a challenge, but Seattle could end up clinching a postseason spot. They still feature enough reliable players to compete at a high level.
At the moment, of course, Seattle is focused on preparing for the upcoming 2025 season. There is still plenty of work to be done without question. Making moves such as signing veterans like Erica Wheeler will certainly help the team's overall situation, though. The Wheeler addition should prove to be a quality move.