LA Sends Gabby Williams to Seattle Storm
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the acquisition of Katie Lou Samuelson and the 2022 No. 9 draft pick from the Seattle Storm in exchange for Gabby Williams.
Katie Lou Samuelson is a Huntington Beach, California native and the sister of former Sparks guard Karlie Samuelson. The 6-foot-3 forward was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky after an illustrious career at the University of Connecticut. Last season for the Seattle Storm she averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in 21 minutes per game, while shooting 35.1% on 3-pointers.
“We’re excited to add Katie Lou Samuelson to our team,” General Manager/Head Coach Derek Fisher said. “In addition to her perimeter shooting, Katie Lou brings defensive versatility and length. She has great on-court instincts and we’re excited to build with her moving forward.”
Samuelson is currently playing overseas for Avenida (Spain). In Euro League play, she’s guided her team to a 10-3 record while averaging 16.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. She’s shooting 45.7% from the field and 41.4% on 3-pointers on 6.4 attempts per game.
LA will send Gabby Williams to Seattle in return. LA acquired Williams on May 9, 2021 in a trade with the Chicago Sky for Stephanie Watts and Leonie Fiebich. Williams sat out the 2021 season due to French National team commitments. In three WNBA seasons with the Sky, Williams has averaged 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
“The addition of Katie Lou Samuelson, a first-round pick, plus meaningful cap space provides us the flexibility needed to strengthen our 2022 roster at multiple positions,” Fisher added. “This trade also increases our draft assets and better positions ourselves for future success. We wish Gabby Williams nothing but the best in Seattle.”