Ahead of the WNBA draft on Monday, the Golden State Valkyries were actively reinforcing their roster through free agency, re-signing All-Star forward Kayla Thornton to a one-year deal. The team also announced the signing of former Las Vegas Aces center Kiah Stokes to a multiyear deal, and forward Cate Reese to a training camp contract.
Thornton, 33, blossomed at Golden State, averaging a career-high 14 points per game in 22 starts. She then suffered a season-ending right knee injury during a July practice. Thornton was named an All-Star for the first time in her 10-year career under WNBA Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase.
The 6-foot-1 forward also averaged 7 rebounds per game, which would have comfortably paced the team if not for her injury.
“She became our first-ever All-Star, and also stepped up as a leader for a new roster from day one,” Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in a statement. “Kayla brings relentless work ethic and an unshakeable belief in this team.”
Stokes, 33, won three WNBA championships as a reserve and spot-starter for the Aces, making 81 starts in 165 games played, averaging 17 minutes, 1.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. As an All-Rookie selection in 2015, she finished runner-up in voting for Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Player of the Year. Standing at 6-3, she managed 2 blocks per game that season, which still marks her career high.
The rim protector has managed a block per game throughout her 11-year career.
Reese was a double-figure scorer in each of her five collegiate seasons at Arizona. She went undrafted in 2023. In the frontcourt for Polish team MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec this past season, she averaged a double-double with 15.4 points and 10.6 rebounds across nine games.
In total, the Valkyries have signed 14 players this free agency, including five to training camp contracts. Their roster of 15 players, with three pending draft picks, reads as follows.
Guards: Veronica Burton, Justė Jocytė, Kate Martin, Kaila Charles, Miela Sowah (training camp) and Kaitlyn Chen (training camp). Forwards: Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün, Cecilia Zandalasini, Laeticia Amihere (training camp) and Cate Reese (training camp). Centers: Iliana Rupert, Kiah Stokes and Mariella Fasoula (training camp).
Minimum roster size under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement was increased to 12, allowing two additional spots for developmental players, setting up the Valkyries for a tight competition toward the back end of their roster. They enter Monday’s three-round draft with the No. 8, No. 23 and No. 38 picks.