The WNBA is on the verge of a thrilling shakeup as the Golden State Valkyries prepare for their highly anticipated expansion draft. As the league’s 12 existing teams finalize their lists of protected players, speculation is running rampant about which talented ballers might be left exposed for the Valkyries to snap up. With the draft set to be announced on ESPN on December 6th, the excitement is reaching a fever pitch.
Teams Face Tough Choices on Protected Lists
Each WNBA team can protect up to six players on their current roster, including those to whom they hold exclusive rights. This has led to some agonizing decisions for coaches and GMs. Do you prioritize youth and potential or lean on proven veterans? Rising stars on affordable contracts or high-priced established talent?
“These protected lists really force teams to show their hand in terms of how they value players,” a WNBA front office source told us. “There’s a lot of strategy that goes into it. You’re trying to keep your core intact while also being realistic about who you might lose.”
Complicating matters is the fact that teams don’t have to use a protected slot on unrestricted free agents who have already played the maximum two years on core player contracts. This takes some of the WNBA’s biggest names off the expansion draft board entirely.
Stashed Draft Picks Add Intrigue
An additional wrinkle is the inclusion of “stashed” draft picks – players whose WNBA rights a team holds even though they have yet to join the league, often because they are still playing overseas. Teams with a surplus of these prospects may opt to protect them over rostered players, adding even more uncertainty to the process.
“You look at a team like New York that has so many talented players stashed away, and it really makes you wonder what direction they’ll go,” said a rival WNBA coach. “Those draft pick rights are valuable assets that the Valkyries would love to get their hands on.”
Predicting Protected Lists for All 12 Teams
So which six players will each WNBA team protect heading into the expansion draft? Here’s our best guess:
Atlanta Dream
- Isabel Borlase
- Jordin Canada
- Allisha Gray
- Naz Hillmon
- Rhyne Howard
- Nyadiew Puoch
Chicago Sky
- Kamilla Cardoso
- Chennedy Carter
- Dana Evans
- Michaela Onyenwere
- Angel Reese
- Elizabeth Williams
Connecticut Sun
- Veronica Burton
- DiJonai Carrington
- Tyasha Harris
- Leila Lacan
- Marina Mabrey
- Alyssa Thomas
Dallas Wings
- Carla Leite
- Teaira McCowan
- Arike Ogunbowale
- Satou Sabally
- Jacy Sheldon
- Maddy Siegrist
Indiana Fever
- Aliyah Boston
- Caitlin Clark
- Temi Fagbenle
- Lexie Hull
- Kelsey Mitchell
- NaLyssa Smith
Las Vegas Aces
- Chelsea Gray
- Kate Martin
- Kelsey Plum
- Kiah Stokes
- A’ja Wilson
- Jackie Young
With teams like the Liberty and Mystics also having to make some tough calls, it’s shaping up to be a fascinating expansion draft. The Valkyries are well-positioned to add some real difference-makers to their fledgling roster.
The Valkyries’ Expansion Strategy
So how will the Valkyries approach their expansion selections? According to league insiders, look for them to prioritize young talent on affordable contracts. Players like the Wings’ Awak Kuier or the Sparks’ Lexie Brown could be enticing options if left unprotected.
“The Valkyries have a real opportunity here to build something sustainable for the long-term,” a WNBA source said. “They’ll want players who can contribute right away but also have room to grow with the franchise.”
Another factor to watch will be potential sign-and-trade deals. If there’s an unprotected player the Valkyries covet but don’t want to use their pick on, they could draft another player from that team and then broker a trade. This could come into play with veterans like the Mercury’s Diana Taurasi.
The Excitement Builds
Ultimately, the expansion draft is one of the most exciting events on the WNBA calendar. It’s a chance for the Valkyries to construct a competitive roster from the ground up, and an opportunity for players to embrace new roles with a new franchise.
“I think every player gets a little nervous seeing their name on these [unprotected] lists,” a former WNBA All-Star told us. “But it can also be thrilling to get picked and have the chance to really make your mark with an expansion team. There’s a lot of pride in being part of that foundation.”
As the days tick down to the expansion draft, the anticipation will only continue to build. The Golden State Valkyries are on the clock, and the WNBA will be watching to see which unprotected gems they select to launch their franchise to new heights.
