Storm Reunite with Reserve Guard After Mystics Stint

Jade Melbourne returns to Seattle on a one-year, $500,000 contract.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the uniforms of the Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics.A cubist interpretation of the on-court action as the Seattle Storm welcome back guard Jade Melbourne after her stint with the Washington Mystics.Seattle Today

The Seattle Storm have signed guard Jade Melbourne to a one-year, $500,000 contract, reuniting the 23-year-old with the franchise after she spent the last two seasons with the Washington Mystics. Melbourne, a third-round pick by the Storm in 2022, has built an impressive international resume and is expected to provide backcourt depth for Seattle alongside players like Natisha Hiedeman and Zia Cooke.

Why it matters

The Storm are looking to reload their roster after a disappointing 2025 season, and the addition of Melbourne, a versatile guard with WNBA and international experience, could provide a valuable boost off the bench. Her ability to play both guard positions and contribute as a scorer, passer, and defender makes her a valuable piece for the Storm as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Melbourne spent the last two seasons with the Washington Mystics, where her role expanded greatly. In 2025, she played a career-high 23.4 minutes per game across 43 appearances, including 12 starts, averaging 5.9 points and 2.9 assists. Over her two-year stint in Washington, she recorded 5.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 80 games. During her initial run with the Storm in 2023, Melbourne appeared in 29 games and averaged 2.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

  • Melbourne was originally selected by the Storm in the third round of the 2022 WNBA Draft.
  • She joined the Storm in 2023 and spent one season with the team.
  • Ahead of the 2024 season, Melbourne was traded to the Mystics in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.
  • After two seasons with the Mystics, Melbourne has now returned to the Storm on a one-year, $500,000 contract.

The players

Jade Melbourne

A 23-year-old guard who was originally drafted by the Seattle Storm in the third round of the 2022 WNBA Draft. She spent one season with the Storm in 2023 before being traded to the Washington Mystics, where she played the last two seasons.

Natisha Hiedeman

A guard for the Seattle Storm who will likely play alongside Jade Melbourne in the team's backcourt rotation.

Zia Cooke

A guard for the Seattle Storm who will likely play alongside Jade Melbourne in the team's backcourt rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Jade Melbourne is a versatile guard who can contribute in a variety of ways, and we're excited to have her back in Seattle. Her experience with the national team and her growth over the past two seasons in Washington make her a valuable addition to our roster.”

— Noelle Quinn, Head Coach, Seattle Storm

What’s next

The Storm will look to integrate Melbourne into their rotation and see how she can help the team improve on their 2025 season, where they missed the playoffs. Melbourne's ability to play both guard positions and contribute as a scorer, passer, and defender will be key as the Storm aim to return to the postseason.

The takeaway

The addition of Jade Melbourne is a savvy move by the Storm, as they look to bolster their backcourt depth and bring back a player with WNBA and international experience. Melbourne's versatility and growth over the past two seasons with the Mystics make her a valuable piece for the Storm as they seek to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.