As the newest WNBA franchise, fans did not necessarily expect the Golden State Valkyries to immediately turn into a title contender. But some thought that the Valkyries would at least be able to make some noise in free agency or on the trade market and land a star like Alyssa Thomas or Kelsey Plum.
That never happened. Several stars were on the move this offseason, but none of them will suit up for the Valkyries next season. While that may be disappointing, it is not as bad as it seems. First of all, not landing a star and not having any pressure to win means the Valkyries can work to secure high draft picks and build up their team that way. Secondly, Golden State still ended up getting some interesting players, and some may even make up for the lack of a true star during the Valkyries’ inaugural season soon.
The Valkyries made some underrated signings this offseason
In the expansion draft in December, the Valkyries selected a noticeable number of international players as well as some interesting young talent and continued that trend in free agency.
The Valkyries’ biggest signing this offseason is undoubtedly Tiffany Hayes. Luring the veteran and one-time All-Star away from the Las Vegas Aces was no small feat and will provide the Valkyries with veteran leadership, a talented scorer, and a competitive spirit.
Nevertheless, the Valkyries’ moves following the Tiffany Hayes signing should not be overlooked. Once again drawing their talent from overseas, the Valkyries also signed Kyara Linskens, Chloe Bibby, and Janelle Salaün.
All three have experience playing for their countries’ national teams and at least a few seasons of playing professionally. At 23, Janelle Salaün is the youngest of the Valkyries’ recent signings but may end up making the biggest difference next to Hayes.
Salaün was not selected by any team in the 2023 WNBA Draft but has developed into one of the best young players in Europe since then. Playing for the Italian club Famila Schio, Salaün is currently averaging 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals in EuroLeague play.
Salaün is a tall and versatile defender who can guard several positions, is a strong rebounder, and can space the floor. She has the makings of a great WNBA player and was certainly on several teams’ radars. The Valkyries are the ones to get a chance to develop her, though. That alone will end up being a massive win for the organization if Salaün’s future in the WNBA is as bright as it seems.
Golden State already got a few young players in the expansion draft: Kate Martin, Veronica Burton, Carla Leite, and Iliana Rupert. Particularly Martin already has fans in the Bay Area wrapped around her finger and may be with the Valkyries for quite some time. Playing in Unrivaled has offered her a chance to display all of her promise this offseason.
With Salaün in the mix as well now and the draft still coming up, the Valkyries have a solid foundation for the future as well as a strong group of veterans to help them establish an identity and guide the younger players on the team. The Valkyries’ offseason may not have been flashy, but it was not a letdown either.