The Golden State Valkyries are set to kick off the WNBA offseason by holding the league’s first expansion draft since 2008. The New York Liberty, along with other teams, have submitted their list of protected players, with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Leonie Fiebich being obvious choices. The final spot remains a question mark, with Nyara Sabally, Kayla Thornton, Courtney Vandersloot, Marine Johannès, and Marquesha Davis all in contention.
Sabally, a young forward with a history of injuries, played a crucial role in the Liberty’s championship win, making her a promising investment. Thornton, a veteran providing a spark off the bench, offers reliability, while Vandersloot, a solid playmaker, could leave as an unrestricted free agent. Johannès, despite her contributions to the French national team, carries uncertainty about her availability for the upcoming season.
The Valkyries could benefit from Sabally’s potential, Thornton’s leadership, or Vandersloot’s championship experience, but Johannès’ unclear status might make her a risky pick. Ultimately, the expansion draft presents an opportunity for both the Liberty and the Valkyries to make strategic decisions that could shape their rosters for the upcoming season.
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