While it seems like most teams in the WNBA have made the majority of their big free agency moves, there's still plenty of time for teams who are exploring their options. And while the list of available unrestricted free agents still includes names like Emma Meesseman, Chennedy Carter, and Elena Delle Donne (among others!), there's also another bank of players a team like the Valkyries could look at: Americans who didn't get drafted in 2024 but who have had major careers overseas since then.
Golden State in particular is in a delicate position ahead of this season. The team's roster is exciting, but it will likely take a season or two for the squad to really gel. The Valkyries signed major players like Tiffany Hayes, Monique Billings, and Kayla Thornton, but both GM Nyanin and Head Coach Nakase have been transparent about the fact that the team's first season will be one of learning and building for the future.
One direction the team could move in as they continue to plan, scheme, and organize might be to invest in athletes who didn't get drafted last year but who have since grown tremendously as players. Here are a few we have in mind:
Shaylee Gonzales, Dinamo Sassari
Gonzales began her collegiate career at BYU before transferring to Texas, where she averaged 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals and a 3-point percentage of 38% during the 2023-24 season. After graduation, she spent the summer playing professionally in Mexico before she was signed to Dinamo Sassari, where she's playing now.
So far this season Gonzales has averaged 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.8 steals, but where she's grown exponentially is in her 3-point percentage, which is currently sitting high at 53.4%. And while it's not exactly clear the Valkyries need another guard, Nyanin and Nakase have made it clear over and over again that 3-point shooting is at the top of the list of what they look for in athletes. Gonzales, who is from Arizona, could definitely be developed into a long-term asset for the Bay Area team.
Erynn Barnum, Basket Esch
Barnum graduated from Mississippi after transferring from Arkansas, where she averaged 15 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. The 6'2" forward went undrafted in 2024 simply because the draft class was so stacked and has been playing overseas for Basket Esch this season.
Adding Barnum to the team would provide more backup for Kayla Thornton and bring a little more balance to the team. Though her 3-pointers could use some work, she's averaging 17.2 points with 34.8 playing minutes this season and would also likely prove to be a solid addition who can grow with a brand new team.