Storm sign Gabby Williams for rest of season

The Seattle Storm signed free-agent forward Gabby Williams for the remainder of the campaign, the team announced Tuesday.

Williams is coming off a standout performance for France at the Olympics, where she was named the Best Defensive Player and selected to the All-Star Five.

The UConn product averaged 15.5 points, 4.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 steals during the host nation's run to the gold medal game.

Williams spent her last two WNBA campaigns with the Storm, earning All-Defensive second-team honors and finishing fifth in Most Improved Player voting during the 2022 season.

"I feel more than ready to finally return to Seattle," Williams said in a statement. "I've missed the organization, my teammates, and the fans so much. I absolutely can't wait to come back and finish the season strong."

The Chicago Sky selected Williams with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft. She spent three seasons with the club, averaging 6.8 points, 4.7 boards, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals across 89 appearances.

Williams was sixth in the Defensive Player of the Year race during her rookie year. The 27-year-old's return to Seattle bolsters an already stingy defensive unit anchored by Ezi Magbegor in the frontcourt.

"Gabby is a dynamic player who brings tremendous versatility," Storm head coach Noelle Quinn said in a statement. "She's a two-way player that can guard multiple positions and has a strong offensive game; given her familiarity with our system, we know she can have an immediate impact.

"Gabby's Olympic performance showcased her world-class talent, and we're excited to have her join us as we push for the playoffs."

Seattle enters Tuesday's slate of games fifth in the league standings with a 17-10 record.

The Storm made a huge splash in the offseason, signing Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith in free agency to pair with reigning scoring champ Jewell Loyd.