The Golden State Valkyries have reportedly selected Kate Martin and Kayla Thornton in the expansion draft. The Athletic's Sabrina Merchant and Marcus Thompson II. Both the Las Vegas Aces rookie and New York Liberty veteran will head to the Bay as part of the WNBA's 15th team's first team.
Neither choice is a huge shock. SB Nation's official expansion draft projections had Golden State selecting Kayla Thornton. The versatile veteran has a proven playoff track record and is a reliable shooter, but the Liberty needed to protect Nyara Sabally, who has made a splash in the postseason.
Kate Martin could have easily been on the protected list, but the Aces went in a different direction, ultimately leaving her unprotected. Martin didn't play much in his rookie season after the rotation of aces was complete, but he showed flashes of potential during the season.
Martin appeared in 34 games, averaging 2.6 points in 11.5 minutes per game. Her teammates were impressed by her quick instincts and how quickly she adapted to professional life.
“Kate Martin is great. Kate Martin picks things up quickly, so she's a great sponge,” Kelsey Plumb said in May. “I think Becky gave her Kate the nickname 'Money' Martin, and I think it's stuck.”
Martin was removed from the rotation late in the season and saw his playing time decrease after Chelsea Gray returned from her early-season absence. She was a fan favorite in Las Vegas and was regularly praised for her hard work and smooth integration, but ultimately she was not one of the rotation players when the aces lined up.
At the end of the day, her suiting up for Golden State makes perfect sense for several reasons.
Kate Martin's developmental schedule is likely more in line with Golden State's
The Aces are a veteran team and their championship window is now. Three-time MVP A'ja Wilson is in her prime at 28 years old, but Tiffany Hayes (35), Sydney Colson (35) and Kelsey Plumb (30). It's not like the team's championship window is closing, but if the Aces were between a veteran and protecting Martin, why did they choose to let one of their intriguing young players walk? is understandable.
Martin is often praised for his emotional maturity, but he's only just finished his rookie season. Like most WNBA players, it will likely be several years before she becomes a reliable contributor in the playoffs. The Valkyries' roster is likely to be younger than the Aces' players, and Martin's development schedule would align with theirs.
Natalie Nakase makes for a particularly seamless transition
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase already had a close relationship with Martin. Nakase was one of Becky Hammon's lead assistants in Las Vegas last season, and her experience working with the No. 18 overall pick in 2024 likely influenced the team's decision to select her.
It's an unusual situation for Martin to have to change franchises in one season, but having a familiar face in his new city will make the transition less confusing.
Kate Martin's popularity will help Valkyries generate buzz
There's already been a lot of buzz surrounding the Valkyries, but the addition of the Iowa State star to the team will only add to the buzz. sold by kate martin 4th place in number of jerseys of Any WNBA player of the season, she will undoubtedly become one of the most recognizable names on the Valkyries roster in no time. What better way to launch a new organization than with one of the most popular players in the league?
