Which WNBA players might hear their name called in the Valkyries’ expansion draft?

Which WNBA Players Could Be Headed to the Golden State Valkyries in the Expansion Draft?

The WNBA is buzzing with excitement as the Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft during Sunday’s lottery. But while fans are already speculating about UConn superstar Paige Bueckers potentially joining the Wings, there’s another major draft on the horizon that could shake up the league: the Golden State Valkyries’ expansion draft. This marks the first expansion draft in the WNBA since 2008, and it’s set to reshape rosters across the league.

With the draft results set to be announced on December 6 on ESPN, teams have until Monday to submit their list of up to six protected players. These lists will include players who finished the season on their roster as well as those whose rights the team holds, such as unsigned draft picks or players stashed overseas. The stakes are high, and the decisions teams make now could have ripple effects for years to come.

How the Expansion Draft Works

The rules for the expansion draft are straightforward but strategic. The Valkyries can select one player from each of the 12 existing teams, but they’re limited to choosing only one unrestricted free agent. If they select an unrestricted free agent, that player becomes eligible to be designated as a core player by Golden State. This adds an extra layer of intrigue, as teams must carefully weigh who to protect and who to leave exposed.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the roster designations teams are working with:

• DP: Unsigned draft pick
• R: Restricted free agent
• RS: Reserved free agent
• S: Suspended list and contract expired
• U: Unrestricted free agent

Now, let’s dive into the projected protected and unprotected players for each team and what it could mean for the Valkyries’ inaugural roster.

Atlanta Dream

Projected Protected:

• Isabel Borlase (DP)
• Jordin Canada
• Allisha Gray
• Naz Hillmon
• Rhyne Howard
• Nyadiew Puoch (DP)

Projected Unprotected:

• Laeticia Amihere
• Maya Caldwell (RS)
• Maite Cazorla (S)
• Lorela Cubaj (RS)
• AD Durr (R)
• Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (U)
• Aerial Powers (U)
• Iliana Rupert (S)
• Matilde Villa (DP)

Atlanta’s decisions will likely hinge on their young talent. Puoch, a 20-year-old first-round pick, seems like a lock for protection, as does Borlase, another promising 20-year-old from Australia. Rupert, who sat out the 2024 season to play for France in the Olympics, might be left unprotected despite her potential.

Chicago Sky

Projected Protected:

• Kamilla Cardoso
• Chennedy Carter (R)
• Dana Evans (R)
• Michaela Onyenwere (R)
• Angel Reese
• Elizabeth Williams

Projected Unprotected:

• Lindsay Allen
• Rachel Banham
• Maria Conde (DP)
• Isabelle Harrison (U)
• Moriah Jefferson
• Nikolina Milic (RS)
• Diamond DeShields (U)
• Brianna Turner (U)

Chicago’s core players, including Reese and Carter, are safe bets for protection. However, the Sky’s veterans, like DeShields and Turner, could be tempting options for the Valkyries, especially given their cap-friendly contracts.

What’s Next?

As teams finalize their protected lists, the Valkyries’ front office will be strategizing to build a competitive roster. With the ability to select one player from each team, Golden State has the opportunity to snag young talent, seasoned veterans, and even a potential franchise cornerstone. The expansion draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment not just for the Valkyries but for the entire WNBA.

Stay tuned as the December 6 announcement approaches. Who will the Valkyries choose to kick off their inaugural season? One thing’s for sure: the WNBA landscape is about to change in a big way.