Storm designate Williams as core player
The Seattle Storm extended a core qualifying offer to Gabby Williams, the WNBA announced Tuesday.
The designation allows Williams to sign a one-year qualifying offer at the WNBA's highest salary ($249,244) but prevents her from joining another team outright in free agency.
All core-designated players can still be traded to another club. Teams have until Jan. 20 to extend a core qualifying offer.
Seattle's decision wasn't a surprise to Williams because she and her representatives have been working with the team in determining her next steps, sources told ESPN's Kevin Pelton.
The Storm signed Williams late in the 2024 campaign following her standout performance for France at the Paris Olympics.
Williams averaged 10.3 points, four boards, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals across 12 appearances last season. The UConn product was a WNBA All-Defensive second team selection in 2022.
The Chicago Sky selected Williams with the No. 4 overall pick in 2018.