Storm begin cuts ahead of May 13 deadline

By Christan Braswell

Seattle, WA - The Seattle Storm waived forwards Quay Miller, Kaela Davis, and center Alaina Coates, the team announced Wednesday afternoon. The final deadline for roster cuts is May 13.

In two appearances this preseason, Miller averaged 5.5 minutes. A Seattle area native playing at Kentridge High School, she began her career at the University of Washington before transferring to Colorado for her last three years of collegiate play. Miller earned All-Pac 12 honors and averaged 10.9 points and 7.2 rebounds in 99 games.

Coates scored six points as well as corraling two rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in 16 minutes of preseason play. In her five-year career, Coates has played in 95 games, winning a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces. In four years at South Carolina, she was SEC All-Defense twice, winning the national championship in her senior year.

In two games, Davis averaged 14 minutes, scoring three points and collecting seven rebounds with a steal and an assist. She previously played for Seattle in 2022 on two hardship contracts. She spent her first three seasons in the WNBA with the Dallas Wings. Recovering from Achilles surgery in 2023, Davis is healthy and has endured quite the journey to get to where she is now.

(Photos by: Liz Wolter)

Cuts are never easy for players or the decision makers. The only true solution is the continued effort from league officials in pursuing additional expansion teams. As Nneka Ogwumike stated last week, there is half a league of players at home due to roster restraints and the lack of opportunity. The three players waived could all immediately contribute to any team if they had the chance. With the Golden State franchise set to begin play in 2025, the league is moving in the right direction but is the pace fast enough to coincide with the rapid growth of interest in the sport? That is a question that has yet to be answered.

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