Trades, Picks, and a Two-Time MVP: Breaking Down the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA Expansion Draft
History is about to be made in the WNBA, and all eyes are on the Golden State Valkyries. This Friday, the league’s newest franchise will officially introduce the first players in its history, selected through the highly anticipated expansion draft (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Valkyries are poised to shake up the league, and fans are buzzing with speculation about who will don the team’s inaugural jerseys.
After months of analysis, projections, and debates over which six players each of the 12 existing WNBA teams might protect, the moment of truth is finally here. The expansion draft is not just about picking players—it’s about strategy, trades, and building a foundation for the future. The Valkyries have the opportunity to select one unprotected player from each team, and they also hold the No. 5 pick in next April’s WNBA draft, along with second- and third-round selections. But that’s not all. Golden State can also use one of its picks on an unrestricted free agent, designating that player as its core player when free agency begins.
With those rules in mind, let’s dive into the potential picks and trades that could define the Valkyries’ first-ever roster. Buckle up—this is going to be a wild ride.
Atlanta Dream: Haley Jones, F/G
Could Haley Jones be coming home? The San Jose native and former Stanford All-American would be a perfect fit for the Valkyries. Jones, who helped the Cardinal win the 2021 national championship, is a versatile 6-foot-1 player who can defend frontcourt opponents and even run the point. She spent much of last season as Atlanta’s point guard and still has two years left on her rookie contract after being selected sixth overall in the 2023 draft. If she’s left unprotected, this pick feels like a no-brainer for Golden State.
Chicago Sky: Lindsay Allen, G
Veteran leadership is crucial for any expansion team, and Lindsay Allen brings just that. The Sky marked the fifth stop in Allen’s seven-season WNBA career, and her experience as a starting point guard (48 starts over the past two seasons) would be invaluable for the Valkyries. While her outside shooting (26.5% career from three) isn’t her strong suit, Allen’s ability to run an offense makes her a solid addition to Golden State’s backcourt.
Connecticut Sun: Olivia Nelson-Ododa, C
Nelson-Ododa’s breakout 2023 season makes her an intriguing option for the Valkyries. After stepping up in the absence of Brionna Jones, who suffered an Achilles injury, Nelson-Ododa averaged 10.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per 36 minutes. Her ability to shine in a larger role could make her a key piece for Golden State’s frontcourt.
Dallas Wings: Awak Kuier, F/C
Awak Kuier, the second overall pick in 2021, is another name to watch. At just 23 years old, Kuier has been making waves in the EuroLeague, averaging 16.3 points per game for Umana Reyer Venezia. If the Wings leave her unprotected, the Valkyries could secure exclusive negotiating rights to a young player with tremendous upside.
Indiana Fever: Katie Lou Samuelson, F
Trade: Fever send 2026 first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for Valkyries’ 2026 second-round pick and agreement to take Samuelson
Here’s where things get interesting. Indiana might be eager to offload Samuelson’s $180,250 guaranteed salary for 2025, creating cap space to build around stars like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark. For Golden State, this trade is low-risk, high-reward. They could waive Samuelson to clear her salary or keep her in hopes of a bounce-back season.
Las Vegas Aces: Kierstan Bell, F
Trade: Golden State sends Bell to Atlanta in exchange for rights to G/F Isabel Borlase
In this scenario, the Valkyries select Bell but immediately trade her to Atlanta, reuniting her with her former college coach Karl Smesko. In return, Golden State acquires the rights to Isabel Borlase, a promising second-round pick currently playing in Australia’s WNBL.
Los Angeles Sparks: Aari McDonald, G (RFA)
McDonald, the No. 3 pick in 2021, has struggled with injuries but remains a high-upside option. If the Valkyries can re-sign her at a reasonable price, she could be a valuable addition to their backcourt.
Minnesota Lynx: Alissa Pili, PF
Trade: Lynx send the No. 15 pick of the 2025 WNBA draft to Golden State in exchange for agreement to not select Dorka Juhasz and Jessica Shepard
With too many players to protect, the Lynx could strike a deal with Golden State to keep their core intact. In return, the Valkyries take Pili, a promising young forward who could thrive with more playing time.
New York Liberty: Kaitlyn Davis, F
Trade: Liberty send the No. 7 pick of the 2025 WNBA draft to Golden State in exchange for the No. 17 pick and agreement to select Davis
The defending champs have a deep roster and could use this trade to manage their assets. For Golden State, acquiring a top-seven pick in next year’s draft would be a huge win.
Phoenix Mercury: Celeste Taylor, G
Taylor’s rookie season saw her play for three teams, but her late-season contributions in Phoenix make her an appealing option for the Valkyries.
Seattle Storm: Mackenzie Holmes, F/C
Holmes, a former All-American at Indiana, sat out her rookie season due to knee surgery. If healthy, she could be a valuable addition to Golden State’s frontcourt.
Washington Mystics: Elena Delle Donne, F (UFA)
Drafting Delle Donne would be a bold move for the Valkyries. While her future in the league is uncertain, her rights could be used in a trade to acquire additional assets. If she decides to play, her presence would be a game-changer for Golden State.
Here’s how the Valkyries’ roster could look after the draft:
- PG: Aari McDonald (RFA), Lindsay Allen
- SG: Celeste Taylor
- SF: Katie Lou Samuelson
- PF: Elena Delle Donne (UFA), Alissa Pili
- F/G: Haley Jones
- F/C: Awak Kuier, Olivia Nelson-Ododa
The Golden State Valkyries are ready to make their mark, and this expansion draft could set the tone for years to come. Stay tuned—Friday night is going to be unforgettable.
Originally Written by: Kevin Pelton
