Hey just an update full credit to @heyarnoldfan12 He found this on HerHoopsStats there is a get around for Muhl if they like her better than Melbourne. Essentially the Storm can cut Muhl and bring her back after the first game on a reduced contract. via HerHoopsStats “What happens if a player on a rookie scale contract gets cut?” “The core component of rookie contracts is that the player can not have previously signed a WNBA contract. Therefore, once a player is cut from their rookie contract they become an unrestricted free agent who is no longer governed by the rookie scale. This is true even if the player is cut in training camp before their first season which regularly happens to 2nd and 3rd round draft picks.” Sounds like if they really want her, they can cut her, have her miss the first game, and then bring her back at the same salary as Melbourne.

I like your logic, but I'm not quite convinced that this is inevitable. I watched the Storm coach and player interviews, and noticed two things. One is that Nika is pretty entertaining in a press conference and, it's clear the press loves her for that. They ask others about her by name. And some of the players used her name unsolicited, so I won't be surprised if they decide they need to keep her both for her skills and her box office potential. But with only 11 spots and 16 players in camp, it's pretty tough. I hope she somehow makes the team.

New Seattle Times headline: Storm trade point guard Jade Melbourne to Mystics for 2025 draft pick.

"The simple explanation" is the following: Nika can be a game changer because of her defensive skills even in her limited role. You "wrongly assumed" certain players of the team have guaranteed spots on the roster. Consider Nika is an "elite" defender whose offensive game, btw, has improved steadily during her years at UCONN. Left open she is deadly from three. And, she is tough. Her qualities are ones which can make a good team reach the next level. A lot of her skills and the effect she has on a game will not show up on the stat sheet. But the coaches and her teammates will greatly appreciate what she can do. "If" she doesn't make the squad, she will be off to Europe and find a spot to play.

Nika is a better passer, a better defender, and is better at the 3 point line. Melbourne is in trouble and so is Vivians, not Nika.

When the Storm face Caitlin Clark they will need Nika's defense. She played CC tougher than anybody.

She knew it as soon as she was picked. You could see it on her face. I was heartbroken for her...terrible fate to go to the Storm. Hopefully she gets picked up by someone else. If not, she's going to crush it in Europe.

4 Skylar Diggins-Smith 6 Jade Melbourne 1 Nika Mühl 24 Jewell Loyd 32 Sami Whitcomb 23 Jordan Horston 3 Nneka Ogwumike 12 Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu 8 Joyner Holmes 13 Ezi Magbegor 21 Mercedes Russell

I think Nika has a chance. Seattle has a very weak training camp roster. And Seattle has likely noticed that any time they post videos from camp; all of the comments are about Nika. So, she could make the day one roster. I don’t see her being with the team all year though. She will get cut during the season. You can’t really make it in this league as a defensive specialist. You need to bring more to the table than that.

Good quantitative analysis. A fan favorite indeed. Nika played incredibly well in the Final Four semi-final game, which is more than I can say about both of UConn's first team All Americans, one of whom is going to make a roster. What do you think of Christyn William's chances to make the Storm roster?

I think it would be a mistake. They should develop her and keep her as a backup Guard. I noticed something the other day, on the WNBAs youtube nikas post draft press conference generated 28K views, the most of any video they posted from that night (besides CC). Her popularity will bring eyes back to the storm after stewie leaving. Plus Sue Bird being part of the ownership group now - i think they could find someone to cut. Either they wanna sell tickets or they dont. They could keep a no name thats not a needle mover because her stats are better on paper, but Nika does the intangibles that dont always show up on paper

If they couldn’t afford her to play they shouldn’t have drafted her in first place and let her go somewhere else to play

You have made a good argument but I would like to suggest that you have failed to calculate an exceedingly important factor into your equation. First, for the sake of simplicity, let's just say that Nika is equally good as a player to whomever is the alternative to make the rooster. Now, since the Storm is a business, let's talk money. This year's draft had more charismatic, beautiful, large fan-following, terrific players than ever before. Of course CC is the prime example, but also Cam Brink, Angel, Kamilla, Nika, etc all have huge potential for bringing large numbers of eyeball and hence money to the game (ticket sales and TV viewing, merchandise, etc). Nika can bring literally millions of dollars in fan base sales/interest to the storm. She is a media star and only an idiot would not be able to see that. Also the Storm (with Sue Bird as one of the owners) has huge respect for the UConn culture. They can cut a number of the people you mentioned and lose little while the upside gain of giving Nika a rooster spot is too big for them to ignore. Just my two cents.

Can you answer a question for me, looking at your calculations, it looks like even if Dulcy is cut, that is not enough for Nika to make the team, as she is making less than Nika. For her to make the team, one of Vivians, Horston, or Holmes has to get cut, right?

The only reason it is not a 100% done deal is because the players you listed who are not protected are possible to get cut as well. I agree with you regarding Horston and Vivians making the roster but the other ones I'm not too sure. Time will tell and I am really hoping you are wrong on this one as I would love to see Nika thrive in Seattle.

Even though I’m not a Nika Muhl fan I could still see her making it at different team. Her shooting and taking care of the ball has improved significantly in her senior yr. She would have to continue at this level thouhh.

New Recent Uconn Fan here from Minnesota. Love Nika Mühl! Huge Nika Mühl Fan, I Love Uconn! And Surprise, also a Hawkeye & Fan, Respect to everyone here, We can be a Fan of 2 programs, and you guys Really Do Have The Greatest Fans and Greatest Winning Program and School in my opinion. Im Really upset with Seattle Storm if Nika dont make The Team. And yes, I do understand the realistic workings, of various things like salary, caps, and other factors. I personally think Nika Mühl is unfairly overlooked, And also should’ve gone earlier in that Draft. Nika Single Handedly Shut Down Our Caitlin in That Rival game, taking Caitlin almost Entirely out of any impact. We All Here Instantly became Nika Mühl Fans. And I personally turned to UConn games to see what Nika was all about , and We already knew about Bueckers because Paige is a Minnesotaa girl from here. As for Nika, If Scouts, Draft Reviewers and Many others wouldve Taken a Deeper Look at Nika, they wouldve Clearly seen what We Already know. Why doesnt The Seattle Storm See Nika’s Potential, The Great Opportunity to Fine Tune Her Skills and Developement, a Future All Star Talent. It seems Those Review Boards only look at Players who score alot of points. Just Sad. I coached youth Sports 13 years in other Sports, and Defense is as important as Offense, Defense Can Honestly be The Difference to Win Championships. I mean Seriously, You guys at Uconn know How Good Nika is. Nika is a Fierce Defensive Player, That has a tireless energy that wears her opponents down to their core By the end of games, while Nika is still Going full throttle. She is Durable, Strong, Has outstanding game vision and Awareness, She Shoots Well when needs to, but spreads the Ball around to Teammates even when she has clear shots, because She sees The Greater Good of The Team, The Strategy and Gameplan. Nika Passes well with bullet like passes and Accuracy often catching opponents off guard and unaware, she Rebounds well, Nika Steals Well with her Great Hands and footwork, and often easily sneaks thru, around and by Much Bigger Defenders time and time again. When Paige got that season ending injury, it was Nika that carried alot of the load on her back. And as you all know, Nika is the all-time Uconn Assist, record holder in Uconn history. She may be abit Headstrong, but Thats Her Drive and Passion, and She Has a Fire and Devotion to Team in her that as a Coach, I see, and that is a Trademark of Quality Athlete you want on a Team that Lifts others, and Inspires Teammates to be Better. Paige is The Exact same Way in those qualities, but Im just Honoring Nika here for a point Respectfully. The Seattle Storm Seriously Should Take a Deeper Look here at Nika, Because if they dont, its gonna be Seattles loss, but Also, unfortunately, a very Sad Group of Nika Mühl Fans here at my house. I Truly Hope Beyond Hope That Nika Stays in The WNBA and is Successful and Utilized for The Talented Athlete and Beautiful Human Being She is. I know Paige Loves and Supports Nika too, -So Please Fellow Uconn Fans and Diehards, go online, Show your Support for Nika Mühl any way You Can, Let The Seattle Storm Know. And From Minnesota WE LOVE YOU Nika Mühl.!!

Great video man, it is unfortunate but the business is the business. Thanks for keeping it real

Coach already said it’s not necessarily an either/or for Nika/Jade as they can play them together. And they have played them together a lot during camp. This entire video is based on your assumption of who they will keep out of the unprotected players based on mins played last year. You’re also assuming they will take 2 vet minimum players instead of 1. If it was that straight forward there would be no reason for a camp at all. I think it’s unfair to call it a done deal as you don’t actually know what the coaches want and who they will choose.

I am not going to mock you or feed you any poison. This was a great video that was informative using logic. Great Job!

Seattle can cut Vivians with no guilt, because she already got her guaranteed contract paid for this year by Indiana, who cut her. It’s not a done deal.

Very informative, thanks!

The WNBA has an income issue.. which in order to solve they need faces on screens and butts in chairs. Nika most likely would bring a more more faces and butts than most others that will make the roster, but obviously its not just about her. New super stars like Clark may escalate the audience enough to make a league impact to change the finances.. the same as Bird, Jordan, Johnson did.. but only if the WNBA manages it properly. As a newer UCONN fan I was catching a few Lynx games to watch Juhász .. and will do the same for Sénéchal if she gets to play. I would have done the same for Storm if they keep Mühl on.. otherwise.. I don't know anyone there.

It's not unfair. It's the law. No one is above the law. It's the fault of those who forgot she neede3d a different visa. The reason is simple. She does not have an appropriate visa. It's the way our system works. She has to apply for an appropriate visa. You don't get exceptions because others think you should.

Dang she didn't make the roster I'm just finding this out as I just woke up 😢 wait I just miss Red the tittle she hasn't been cut but your making a opinion as to why you think she won't make it ohhhhhhhh I thou she got cut

No. You put Holmes and Vivians on the roster to make that math work. We don't know that.

Congratulations Nika Mühl on your graduation. It will be cool if you and Aliyah Edwards can join the rest of the UConn graduating class. 👩‍🎓

This is via HerHoopsStats “What happens if a player on a rookie scale contract gets cut?” “The core component of rookie contracts is that the player can not have previously signed a WNBA contract. Therefore, once a player is cut from their rookie contract they become an unrestricted free agent who is no longer governed by the rookie scale. This is true even if the player is cut in training camp before their first season which regularly happens to 2nd and 3rd round draft picks.” Sounds like if they really want her, they can cut her, have her miss the first game, and then bring her back at the same salary as Melbourne.

The league needs to have a guaranteed 3 rookie and 2 prior draft spot that dont count against cap below the rookie minimum like pay 35K that can be sponsored by another entity for say 30 games or so. They need to have a way these girls can develop. They can even play the other team in a rookie scrimmage before the main game and wprk on the marketing team of the team an setve as game ambassadors until they can be called up to the league. Most sports team have a minor league system.

Jade Melbourne was traded today. Fingers still crossed for Nika :)

She is pretty and also plays defense. She will make it. Bet that.

That 's all logical. I don't know all of those other players you mentioned. so I am not certain you are right. But you made a good case.

Wait so why draft someone you don’t need? I’m trying to follow this league but it’s confusing.

I think Nika stays in Seattle for many reasons. One of which is she is the only person from this draft class active on their team. Why would they cut the only person from this draft? Second, I think Melbourne along with Dulcy or Joyner gets cut from the team. Jade was a defensive liability last season, she was a nonfactor for the team when it counted. When you look at training camp all the point guards (Williams and Melbourne) weren't good at playmaking both in games and training camp. And Jade was their 3rd rd pick last year she only stayed because Quinn went all young last year. Also skill for skill Nika excels in her 3 pt.%, playmaking, and defense over Jade. Also for the financial side I feel they cut Joyner and use Quay Miller (even with no W experience) because drafting her and Nika puts them under the salary cap while they have 8 other player who would play a significant amount of minutes being vets. I feel that is the plan for Seattle. Especially because Quay and Nika fit the player build of the players that would be cut.

Good analysis. It would be a shame if it comes true especially for her. Never hurts a female athlete when she's attractive or even beautiful like Nika is. The Storm can definitely market her more than some of those other girls you named.

I am a long time scout (age 76) and writer involved with girls and women's basketball. Your analysis is some of the best online that I have heard. I am more a high school writer but have a contact who watches almost every WNBA game and is usually ahead of most GM types as to player success out of the gate. The contact leans to keeping Muhl as the better defender but it appears a close call. Previously, you asked about UCLA signee Kendall Dudley out of Sidwell Friends in DC. She is a long, high IQ forward (more 3F than 4F). She is not a prolific scorer but can do a bit of everything else (pass, rebound, defend and score some) at a high level for college.

That aged well! You have some good points, but she made it in the end. There were a lot of naysayers during her time at UConn, but she ended up a fan favourite. I really hope she can achieve the same at Seattle - wishing her all the best for her career. 🏀🏀🏀

They aren’t gonna cut her, she’s bringing so many ticket sales and she’s not bad at all

I am guessing that your logic is based on Nika's salary being fixed because of her draft status (maybe you said that). In any event, if Nika had no chance to make the team on draft day, Seattle would have traded down and selected a role player.

I hear the Aussie accent. But I hear a bit of NY in you. Are you an American living in Australia? Either way, I do enjoy your videos. Nika will play in the WNBA, somewhere.

She made it♥️

You should not make such assumptions. It serves no useful purpose.

I came looking for you immediately after I got the news lol. Glad you were wrong, phew

Revealing info. Hope you are incorrect and Nika makes the cut. We all love Nika to the max. Everyone at UCONN, the team, coaches, press and fans just love her.

It's not that Auriemma has "no idea" re: the Storm's situation -- he was just being a great coach and trying to encourage his player, especially while being filmed for a social media piece. UConn has dedicated staff focused on pro prep, so they are all very aware of the situation and spent plenty of time making Mühl aware of her odds and what she needed to do (including backup plans). That's why Mühl was visibly disappointed to be picked by the Storm, because she knew that was a guaranteed horrible outcome for her.

Could Muhl get picked up by another WNBA team before the start of the season?

Muhl might get a look from the Lynx if she gets cut. A couple other teams will consider her

If the Storm cut her for whatever reason, I would like to see her end up on the Sparks somehow.

out with the old in with the new the W has to keep the momentum we know nika shes a u.s. player keep our guys!!!

It appears Nika DID make the Seattle Storm roster. She acquitted herself very well in yesterday's exhibition game.

i kinda doubt vivians & holmes secure roster spots over her. usually in the w draft picks after the first round get cut but nika fills a specific niche for the storm that they need

A few things your overlooking...I am not sold they keep all three of Horston, Holmes, and Dulcy. Here is why, Russell the backup C and has a guaranteed contract. It appears they are running a 3G,1F,1C or 3G, 2F lineup. So if your only going to have 6 on the bench do they need 3 Forwards and a Center on bench that is 4 players to backup 2 spots. And that is only leaving just 2 guards Melbourne and either Whitcomb or Vivian to backup 3 spots. So I think one of the forwards is probably going, I am going to guess Holmes because Horston is a 3/2 hybrid and they list Dulcy as a F/C hybrid, with only 6 on bench that improves their value. However I think Nika is a better shooter, defender, and passer than Melbourne but I have a suspicion they may keep both and either Holmes or Dulcy will get cut (my Guess is Holmes who also makes the money needed to make room, which is sad as she played well in the 1st preseason game) . NOW there is another option they could keep Holmes over Dulcy but force Holmes (who has an unguaranteed contract) to take a small paycut of say the about $652 needed to make up the difference in Dulcy and Muhls salaries to be able to keep Muhl. (provided they are not at their VET minimum.)

I don't second guess. We will see if she is cut, and, whether another US team picks her up. If not, Europe is there.

Hey, Just wanted to say thank you for your commentary in this video, and while I want to comment here, Briefly, I somehow messed up thinking I was on The Uconn school Site, and accidentally posted here earlier, with a long list of my comments, instead, while trying to rally support for Nika Mühl. My apology, No worries. but I didn’t mean to take up so much of the space here 👍

Imagine keeping bricktoria vivians. What a tragedy

From what I have heard, McDaniel knee injury should not have her out next season. However, with all guards back, next season is just training for her although she is very talented (plays super hard).

You had to play the good will hunting scene? 😂

Melbourne was balling out in the WBL.

I do think the salary cap is ridiculous and ultimately you would think Nika won’t be on the team based off your analysis but we are not 100% sure the direction Seattle is going. I don’t see them taking Dulcy and Holmes when they have ezi, Nneka and Russell unlike last year when they only had Russell and ezi. Everything depends on the direction they going with, Nika gives them 3pt scoring and defense. Jade isn’t the best defensively but she can bring another drive and kick option. Again just depends on the direction that going and who they think they can get within the salary cap

She is a great defensive player, but not so much on offense. I think she will play in Europe. I was surprised she and Kate Martin were drafted. I also think Aaliyah Edwards is overrated, and it doesn't make sense she was drafted ahead of Angel Reese.

The salary she is offered is shameful and disgusting even if she DOES have other sources of money!

What do you make of Melbourne getting traded? Obviously Holmes or Vivians still has to be cut but this has to be good for Nika as the potential backup PG. the only way she doesn’t make it now is if they go with Kiana Williams as backup pg.

Sue Bird becoming apart of the franchise i think Nika will make it

Seattle cut Alaina Coates today freeing up $76,535 .That should free up the cap space for Muhl over Melbourne if that is Quinn's choice.

Nika Muhl will make the team, it’s her visa issues are her biggest hurdle.

Might have to rethink Nika not making the Storm roster. She scored 6 points, had 3 rebounds, and 2 assists tonight against Phoenix. More importantly, she played 20 minutes, the most of any reserve and tied with two starters for the most minutes played. Not a bad beginning. If she doesn’t make the cut, it will be through no fault of her own.

The Storm might have to close their ig comments, lol. I'm worried about Kate Martin also, but CP retirement may have gotten her a spot.

Nika though not a superstar has many positives she plays with heart and soul is kinda good looking which is more than u can say for most WNBA players she has personality and if on the right team a team that is unselfish and a place that would welcome her she will fit in AND play defense Good luck Nika rooting for u as I do most UCON players.

Never heard of them

Sue Bird just bought into ownership of the Storm. Having followed Bird since her freshman year at UConn, it’s not in her character to cut Nika. I understand it’s not up to her, but business is business. Nika is a huge draw and a point guard like Bird. I use don’t see it happening.

Ummm. Wrong! Your girl got traded to the mystics.

Just thought about it today. Why would the Storm use their first pick on Nika if they didn't have a good idea she fit their scheme? Plus Sue Bird, a UCONN alum, is in the front office. Nika broke her assist record.

Legit analysis at the time. But Melbourne just got traded today to the Mystics for a 3rd round pick next year. Nika beat the odds.

The player agreement in the WNBA is absurd. They structure it more like the men’s leagues.

They just traded jade melbourne so nika has absolutely nothing to worry about

I know that the wnba is subsidized by the nba and it doesn't makes profit and all, but the budget to have players is ridiculous.

The only reason I’m interested in watching the Storm is because of Nika. They can grow the sport or they could repeat the years in the past when teams won championships and no one cared.

Truth

Anything can happen, but Seattle is trying to win, so most likely they are keeping the vets. If they were young, and had time to develop talent, then she would definitely stick. A good vet would have to be let go for cap space. That’s on both young players. Who says they are keeping 12 players. A lot of times they don’t.

Interesting (and sad) analysis. I'm a huskie's fan and would love Nika to stay in the states. Question - if Seattle cuts her, can another WNBA team pick her up? Also, could she agree to take $3k less to get under the cap?

The depressing part (or one of the many depressing parts) is that the Storm's WNBA salary cap is a rounding error on an NBA team. BTW, I heard on the news today that the NBA is signing multi-billion dollar TV contracts, 3 times as mush as the current one. Could they throw a few million to the WNBA salaries,,,,,,?

Jokes on you, she just made the team🕺🐐

Even though I am a Caitlin Clark and Iowa team fan, I really appreciated this young woman’s talent guarding Clark. She is entertaining. I hope someone picks her up.

I agree.... Why even draft these players if they have no chance to make the team. What is the point? Just leave them undrafted.

Chicago can sign her. They're in need of a young PG who can defend & knock down 3's.

Her vs caitlin clark would be cool

Are you kidding me - a 3,000 dollar difference in pay boots Nika from the team? I bet you could get 50,000 UConn fans to kick in a buck a piece and not only cover that pay difference but leave a good amount extra - I was so looking forward to cheering the Storm on with Nika on the team - have to say - it’ll be a different team in my cheering section now

Salary caps are wat they are and it sucks for her. But it aint over till it is over. Even if she gets cut for those reasons. Who says she wont get picked up off of waivers to a team that will need a back up PG. If not she for sure will play overseas

I’m a longtime UCONN fan but not really a Nika Muhl fan bc of how she played with her numerous stupid fouls especially in big games and her numerous needless turn overs. I was actually surprised that she got drafted. However, I do agree with you that the WNBA draft should only have one round so that the other players can can control the likelihood of them actually sticking with a team instead of going to the team to which you were assigned by the draft. If you are not s first round pick the draft kinda sucks for the player.

Your assumption on the returning 10 may not be correct. That being said...I called this all along and all the Nika fans jumped all over me telling me I was wrong. There are only 144 roster spots available in the W and some of those are left empty (11 player teams). In 2023 only 15 of the 36 draftees hung around until the start of the season (much less the full season). It's VERY HARD to make a WNBA roster -- there only about 140 players in the league. The two things in her favor are: (1) Sue Bird and (2) she is attractive -- which (like it or not) has become a big thing in women's sports and it drives revenue. If she were an ugly duckling, she would have zero chance of sticking IMO.

Seattle traded Melbourne to the Mystics for a future third round pick. Drama officially over. Nika Mühl makes the final roster. 😊

She has VISA problems, nothing more.

To get good players like Diggins-Smith & Ogwumike this year plus Loyd's , Whitcombs & Russells salary it's a shame the Storm can only have 11 players. This tells you something is wrong with the salary cap & it needs to change. Seattle only had 11 last year too. Dulcy won't be cut because she played whey beyond expectations last year. I saw the 4th quarter of the game against LA & Miller,Williams Davis looked bad. They won't cut Muir they need solid guards. The taller Centers & Forwards will be cut. It makes more sense to have Muir & Melborne come in for the second team when starters take a break on the bench. Looks like Coates, Holmes's, Williams, Davis, Miller or Vivians is on the chopping block. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert needs to go. The players have to wait until 2027 for the next players bargaining agreement. All the players want changes now. Such a Joke. If they want more people to come to the games they have to infuse more $ in the salary cap.

Talking heads - sports commentators - funny

That will be a mistake. Better put that hottie on the team and plus she can play…she has skills. They need to get rid of that commissioner.

Needs to clear waivers and wait 11 days. Muhl will be claimed by then

Biggest intangible... Nika has a bond with ownership...yep Sue Bird... uconn family

I don't have a dog in this fight, as I'm not a UConn or Muhl fan, but your logic is hard to argue with. It appears to be a simple financial impossibility that costs Muhl a position on the team. That's truly sad because it makes me wonder why they drafted her in the first place, knowing that she doesn't have a prayer of making the team.

Great video. Poor Nika, but I'm sure she will find a really good home on another team, be it in the WNBA or not. One question, why does Nika have a higher salary cap in the first place?

Hey Back2sports just thought I would give you the heads up on Jade Melbourne being traded to Washington Mystics before the haters get at you, bro. It still doesn't guarantee that Nika Muhl will there (at the Storm) permanently. She could make the squad initially yet be traded for a better more experienced player later in the season.