As the newest WNBA franchise, the Golden State Valkyries struggled to attract established WNBA veterans this offseason. Most free agents opted to go somewhere else, and the Valkyries also did not make any noise on the trade market. While disappointing at first glance, a quiet first offseason may be in the franchise’s best interest.
Plus, the Valkyries did make some impactful signings, most notably French youngster Janelle Salaün and veteran Tiffany Hayes. Hayes is now the third person to head from the Las Vegas Aces to the Golden State Valkyries. First, former Aces assistant coach Natalie Nakase took on the head coaching job in the Bay Area, then Kate Martin was selected in the expansion draft, and lastly, Hayes opted to join the Valkyries in free agency.
While Hayes is already familiar with her new head coach and at least one of her young teammates, the rest of the Valkyries will soon learn a thing or two about her that the Aces already realized last season.
Tiffany Hayes is a competitor
After eleven WNBA seasons, Hayes announced her retirement from the league after the 2023 season, but it did not last long. Ultimately, she decided to return to the WNBA, signing with the Las Vegas Aces.
Hayes had made a name for herself as an elite two-way player—a dynamic scorer and a tough defender who does not back down from a challenge. In 2024, she proved that all over again when she suited up for the Aces. Despite being 35 and having felt ready to retire not too long ago, Hayes immediately made a difference with the Aces and took home the Sixth Player of the Year award. Only one of the toughest players in the league could decide to retire, return to the league anyway, and then take home a major award.
The 2024 season proved two things: Hayes is a competitor, and she still has plenty of basketball left in the tank. Hayes has further proven the latter by playing in Unrivaled this WNBA offseason. Hayes currently ranks fifth in scoring across the league, averaging 18.5 points per game, and helped lead the Laces to several wins.
So, the Valkyries may not have landed a major star this offseason, but they signed a proven veteran and added a true competitor to the team. With how the Valkyries are currently constructed, they are likely headed for one of the worst records in the league and a 2026 lottery pick. While they may not win many games, they can at least play hard every game and establish a tough two-way identity. Tiffany Hayes is the perfect player to help with that—something the organization and its fans will realize quickly once the 2025 season is underway.