In a moment that sent ripples across the WNBA landscape, Kayla Thornton, forward for the New York Liberty, was selected by the Golden State Valkyries during Friday's much-anticipated expansion draft broadcasted on ESPN. The news caught many fans off guard. Thornton had made a significant impact both on and off the court.
Thornton's journey with the Liberty has been nothing short of remarkable. Over her two seasons in New York, she averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 35.7% from beyond the three-point line—a personal best in 2024. Her contributions were pivotal in the Liberty’s landmark achievement: winning the franchise's first-ever championship title. Coming off the bench, Thornton displayed an infectious energy that not only inspired her teammates but also galvanized the fans in New York, particularly during high-stakes moments.
The reaction to her selection by the Valkyries was immediate and emotional. Social media lit up with messages from her teammates, reflecting a deep sense of loss and gratitude. Kayla Thornton had become more than just a player; she was a key piece of the team’s fabric, a player who understood her role and thrived in it, often stepping up when the team needed her most.
The Valkyries, led by General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin, are looking to build a competitive team with a strong foundation. Nyanin, who has a keen understanding of Thornton's capabilities from her tenure as the assistant GM with the Liberty, expressed her excitement about the selection. "We are excited to have officially started the journey of building the Golden State Valkyries 2025 team," she stated. “Our goal was to construct a roster that embodies both versatility and depth, bringing in a strong mix of leadership, defense, and scoring ability. These players were carefully chosen not only for their skills on the court, but also for their ability to fit into the culture we’re working to build here at Golden State.”
Thornton's statistics tell part of the story, but her impact transcends numbers. Over her two seasons, she appeared in 80 regular-season games and started in 11, averaging 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds, while shooting 34.0% from three-point range. Her postseason experience, having played in 21 games, has equipped her with invaluable knowledge that she will bring to her new team.
The sentiment of loss was palpable from Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb, who praised Thornton's influence on the organization. “It is incredibly difficult to say goodbye to a player like KT who contributed to the New York Liberty in so many ways over these past two years, including our franchise’s first-ever championship,” Kolb remarked. He emphasized that Thornton quickly became an integral part of the Liberty family. “We look forward to celebrating her on May 27 during her return to Barclays Center with open arms, where she’ll receive her well-earned championship ring.”
As Kayla Thornton prepares to don the colors of the Golden State Valkyries, she embarks on a new chapter in her professional career. The expansion draft represents not just a change in scenery but also an opportunity for her to showcase her talents in a new environment. With the Valkyries aiming to build a competitive team, Thornton's versatility and experience will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their development.
For fans, the excitement of watching Thornton's journey in a new uniform is bittersweet. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and camaraderie that will not be easily forgotten. As the Liberty community rallies behind her, all eyes will be on the Valkyries and their new role player as they set out to carve their own path in the league.
As the WNBA continues to expand and evolve, fans can expect to witness this rollercoaster of emotions once again—twice next year. With the introduction of two new teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland's yet-to-be-named franchise, the league is poised for another round of expansion, which will inevitably lead to another expansion draft.
While the specifics of how this expansion draft will unfold remain uncertain, one thing is clear: as the league grows, teams will face the challenge of losing key players to these new franchises. General Managers across the league will need to strategically shape their rosters, balancing the retention of star talent while preparing for the inevitable departures that come with welcoming new teams into the fold.
As fans, we are in for an exciting time ahead, filled with fresh talent and new rivalries. The dynamics of the league will shift, and the anticipation of how teams adapt to the growing landscape of the WNBA will create a fascinating narrative for the coming seasons. The story of Kayla Thornton and her journey with the Golden State Valkyries is just the beginning, and it will be intriguing to see how the expansion process continues to reshape the league and its teams in the months to come.
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