The Golden State Valkyries must decide how to build their roster. Going through the first-year player draft is an option, but it means multiple down seasons to start. Golden State will add talent in the expansion draft, but teams get to protect six players. The Valkyries must spot undervalued talent and could even try to trade for players being underutilized on their current squads.
There are several players out there capable of offering more but need a larger opportunity. Golden State is the place. They are building their roster from scratch. No player is locked in as a starter or guaranteed playing time. It is the perfect place to showcase your skills and prove your potential.
These players struggle to get minutes and opportunities to shine on their current teams but could quickly become stars in the Bay Area. The Valkyries already have a massive fan base, and these options could be the first franchise favorite if Golden State's front office acquires them.
5. Jordan Horston
The ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft was vastly improved in her second WNBA season. She finished fifth in Most Improved Player voting but averaged just 22.3 minutes per game. The 6’2 forward is behind Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor. The Storm signed Gabby Williams mid-season, which limited Horston to just 15 minutes per contest down the stretch.
Horston scored 16 or more points five times this season, but she never took more than 11 field goal attempts in a game. The 23-year-old was inefficient as a rookie with more shots. There was growth in her game, and fans could see the best version yet in a larger role.
Trading for her may be pricey, but it depends on how the Storm see their roster moving forward. Horston was replaceable in the 2024 season and could be again this offseason.
4. Sika Kone
The 6’3 forward was drafted in the third round in 2022 and has already been on four WNBA teams. Kone finally got a chance to play after being traded to Washington in August. Over her final five games, she averaged 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 20.2 minutes per game with the Mystics winning three of five.
The 22-year-old keeps improving and is averaging 9.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for KK Danilovgrad in Montenegro. She could be a surprise piece that keeps improving if given an opportunity at consistent minutes. Kone needs time to develop, and the Valkyries could present the clearest chance this offseason.
She becomes a restricted free agent in 2027, but the Mystics trading Kone is a possibility.
3. Maddy Siegrist
The third overall pick in 2023 got significantly more minutes in her second WNBA season and made the most of it. Siegrist averaged 9.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 23.9 minutes per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field and taking 1.4 3-point attempts. The 6’2 forward must improve her jumper to fully break out.
She was seventh on the Wings in minutes per game and just ahead of fellow top-five pick Jacy Sheldon. Dallas must decide who to prioritize moving forward but may choose to trade Siegrist or Sheldon to get back to the playoffs.
Siegrist played over 30 minutes 12 times last season. She never scored fewer than 11 points, but Dallas won just two of those games. She can certainly produce numbers when given the opportunity, but can she help her team get victories? Golden State may take a chance and hope she blossoms into a star.
2. Aari McDonald
The third overall pick in 2021 was traded to the Sparks in February. She showed promise during her three seasons in Atlanta, but never fully put it together. Last season, McDonald averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 21.8 minutes per game for LA. The 5’6 guard had two 20-point games but was inconsistent.
The 26-year-old should be entering her prime and is ready for a larger role. She played under 20 minutes ten times last season. McDonald is a restricted free agent and should be searching for more playing time. The Valkyries have it and could help her improve her playmaking and jumper to reach her ceiling.
1. NaLyssa Smith
The former second-overall draft pick looked like a future All-Star in 2023 before Caitlin Clark arrived in Indiana. Smith averaged 15.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 28.5 minutes per game. The 6’4 forward struggles to space the floor and has issues on defense. She does not fit well playing off Clark, but Smith can get buckets and boards.
Golden State would love to have her as a primary option. NaLyssa Smith won’t make the Valkyries a playoff team, but it gives them a needed number-one scoring option. The Fever will look to trade Smith this offseason, and Golden State could be the perfect landing spot.
The Golden State Valkyries must find some undervalued talents to build out a competitive roster in year one. It won’t be easy, but running an expansion franchise never is. Expect them to build into one of the best teams in the W. It will take time and some fortune but could happen quickly if things fall into place.