Seattle Storm reportedly fined for tampering with Sue Bird, who was never going to play anywhere else

Breaking down the reports of the Seattle Storm being fined for tampering.

Alas, we have an ending to the tale of the Seattle Storms’ not-so-mysterious deleted tweets! And, it’s an annoying one that is likely insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press took to Twitter to report that the Seattle Storm have been fined for its tweets last week about Sue Bird’s return to the WNBA, according to sources close to the AP. The exact penalties are unknown and the source preferred to remain anonymous. Still, it should be noted the CBA states that the fine for first-time offenders could amount to as much as $300,000.

Whatever the fine is, it doesn’t seem to be altering Seattle’s free agency plan. The club put the core designation on Jewell Loyd on Friday, reports Rachel Galligan of Winsidr and Just Women’s Sports. The Storm enter Saturday’s official start of free agency with more moves to make.

One, officially agree to a contract with Bird. Two, come to terms on a return deal with Breanna Stewart, the No. 1 free agent on BetFTW’s Top Free Agents list. And three—round out the roster with pieces that’ll put Seattle to contend for its fifth WNBA championship.

Tipico Sportsbook lists the Storm at +425 to win the title in 2022. Those odds may drastically change depending on how free agency plays out.

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