On Friday night, the Golden State Valkyries took a significant step in shaping their team by selecting foundational players.
In the 2024 WNBA expansion draft held on Friday, the Valkyries chose 11 players, featuring notable talents such as guard Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces and forward Kayla Thornton from the New York Liberty.
During the expansion draft, each existing WNBA team was allowed to secure six players from their roster. The Valkyries were then able to pick one unprotected player from each team’s roster, including those on active rosters, international rights lists, or those with draft rights owned by a team.
The Valkyries’ draft selections included four guards (Martin, Julie Vanloo, Carla Leite, Veronica Buron), four forwards (Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, Monique Billings, Stephanie Talbot, Maria Conde), and two centers (Temi Fagbenle, Iliana Rupert).
From all available teams, the Valkyries selected one player each, with the exception of the Seattle Storm.
Introducing your first-ever Golden State Valkyries. This is just the beginning of our journey.
Expansion Draft presented by @CarMax. pic.twitter.com/8WU5mOYGRy
— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) December 7, 2024
Martin, who was a standout player during her five seasons at Iowa alongside Caitlin Clark, was present at the 2024 WNBA draft in New York City to support Clark, who was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever. Martin herself was picked by the Aces as the 18th overall pick.
In her rookie season, Martin played in 34 games, averaging 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds over 11.5 minutes per game. Her playing time decreased as the season progressed and the Aces became healthier, resulting in her playing significant minutes in only three of the last 15 regular-season games and participating for just three minutes in the playoffs.
The Aces opted to protect their top four players – A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray – in the expansion draft, leaving Martin unprotected in the final selections.
Thornton, a seasoned 32-year-old, was instrumental in leading the Liberty to their first WNBA championship this season. Over 40 games, she averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game.
Beyond the expansion draft, the Valkyries will continue to build their roster through free agency, trades, and the upcoming 2025 WNBA draft, where they hold the fifth pick in the first round.
Latest Updates from Around the WNBA
Similar Posts
- Cleveland Eyes WNBA Expansion, Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert Leads Charge!
- A’ja Wilson Inks Record-Breaking Nike Deal! Discover the Historic Contract Details
- Breaking: Phoenix Mercury Icon Diana Taurasi Retires from Basketball!
- Blockbuster NBA Trade: Bucks Swap Khris Middleton for Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma
- Indiana Fever Unveils Plans for Huge, Cutting-Edge Performance Center
Jordan Harper brings the world of sports to life with passionate storytelling and insightful analysis. From local matches to international tournaments, Jordan captures the spirit of competition in every piece.
