WNBA: Who could be protected, selected in Valkyries Expansion Draft?

How will the WNBA’s first expansion draft since 2008 shake out? Who knows!

There’s a myriad variables to consider, beginning with the player protection decisions of the league’s 12 existing teams and extending to the Golden State Valkyries’ team-building priorities.

That an absurd seven teams have made, or are still in the process of making, a head coaching change makes it even more difficult to discern which six players some teams will choose to protect. In naming the six players, organizations are balancing their own internal considerations with the external ones of Golden State. Internally, protecting a player signals that the franchise values them; they are part of the favored six. And while those who are unprotected may understand that, “It’s a business,” the protection process inevitably draws distinctions within a team. As a significant number of a team’s unprotected players could return to the roster next season, management of player emotions—on top of evaluations involving talent, fit and contractual status—has to be part of a team’s process.

Then, there’s the external, as every organization has to estimate what kind of team Golden State wants to build. Will the Valkyries favor younger players who are under contract for multiple seasons? Or, is the organization more ambitious, intending to contend in their inaugural season with a mix of vets and up-and-comers?

On top of that, agents might engage in angling, seeking to steer their client to a new opportunity by the Bay. The impending expiration of the CBA, which has resulted in most players signing contracts that expire after the 2025 season, further complicates things, as the decisions made for the 2025 season could be wiped out by the avalanche of player movement that could occur before the 2026 season (assuming the successful negotiation of a new CBA).

It’s the WNBA. It seems best to expect the unexpected, especially in this time of unprecedented growth that seems to have provoked restlessness among franchises. From the outside, decisions made might seem more rash than rational. Tune into ESPN on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET for potential fireworks.

Before then, here’s a look at how teams might navigate the Golden State Expansion Draft:

Atlanta Dream

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Roster: Aerial Powers (UFA), Allisha Gray, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (UFA), Haley Jones, Iliana Rupert (suspended), Isobel Borlase (unsigned draftee), Jordin Canada, Laeticia Amihere, Lorela Cubaj (reserved), Maite Cazorla (suspended), Matilda Villa (unsigned draftee), Maya Caldwell (reserved), Naz Hillmon, Nia Coffey, Nyadiew Puoch (unsigned draftee), Rhyne Howard, Tina Charles (UFA; ineligible to be drafted)

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Allisha Gray
2. Iliana Rupert
3. Jordin Canada
4. Naz Hillmon
5. Nyadiew Puoch
6. Rhyne Howard

The Dream obviously will protect their core of Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard. Even if she doesn’t possess the kind of shooting range prioritized by new head coach Karl Smesko, Naz Hillmon’s increasingly essential play over the course of the 2024 season should have earned her keeper status. Smesko’s emphasis on shooting could leave 2023 first-round picks Haley Jones and Laeticia Amihere unprotected, with Golden State possibly nabbing one of them. Iliana Rupert, who did not participate in the WNBA last season in order to prepare for the Olympics with the French national team, profiles as the kind of big that would fit with Smesko’s five-out offensive system. After that, would Atlanta make sure to protect 2024 first-round selection Nyadiew Puoch, who remained in Australia, or Nia Coffey, an under-contract vet whose on-court value often exceeds her up-and-down production?

Chicago Sky

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Roster: Angel Reese, Brianna Turner (UFA), Chennedy Carter (RFA), Dana Evans (RFA), Diamond DeShields (UFA), Elizabeth Williams, Isabelle Harrison (UFA), Kamilla Cardoso, Lindsay Allen, Maria Conde (suspended), Michaela Onyenwere (RFA), Moriah Jefferson, Nikolina Milić (reserved), Rachel Banham

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Angel Reese
2. Chennedy Carter
3. Elizabeth Williams
4. Kamilla Cardoso
5. Lindsay Allen
6. Michaela Onyenwere

Along with Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, Michaela Onyenwere should have must-protect status. Beyond that, things could get interesting with Chicago’s final three spots. By firing former head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, the organization signaled a desire for change. Who will general manger Jeff Pagliocca and head coach Tyler Marsh see as part of a renewed Sky team? Although Chennedy Carter has solicited new destinations on social media, she’s too talented not to protect. And while Elizabeth Williams overlaps positionally with Reese and Cardoso, she is the type of steady, veteran presence any new coach would like to be able to call on, both on the court and in the locker room. The same goes for Lindsay Allen, except from the backcourt.

Connecticut Sun

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Roster: Abbey Hsu (unsigned draftee), Alyssa Thomas (UFA), Astou Ndour-Fall (UFA), Brionna Jones (UFA; ineligible to be drafted), Caitlin Bickle (reserved), DeWanna Bonner (UFA; ineligible to be drafted), DiJonai Carrington (RFA), Leïla Lacan (unsigned draftee), Marina Mabrey, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Tiffany Mitchell (UFA), Ty Harris, Veronica Burton (reserved)

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Alyssa Thomas
2. DiJonai Carrington
3. Leïla Lacan
4. Marina Mabrey
5. Olivia Nelson-Ododa
6. Ty Harris

February’s free agency period likely will determine if the Sun, still without a new head coach, again run it back or embark on a new era. Until then, it makes most sense for the organization to protect the players who were in the rotation during a successful 2024 season: Alyssa Thomas, DiJonai Carrington, Marina Mabrey, Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Ty Harris. The last spot, however, might present a difficult decision. While Veronica Burton emerged as a favorite of former head coach Stephanie White, protecting the promising French youngster Leïla Lacan could be the smarter long-term play.

Dallas Wings

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Roster: Arike Ogunbowale, Awak Kuier (suspended), Carla Leite (unsigned draftee), Jacy Sheldon, Jaelyn Brown (reserved), Kalani Brown, Lou Lopez Sénéchal, Maddy Siegrist, Natasha Howard (UFA; ineligible to be drafted), Paige Robinson (unsigned draftee), Satou Sabally, Sevgi Uzun, Stephanie Soares, Teaira McCowan

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Arike Ogunbowale
2. Awak Kuier
3. Carla Leite
4. Jacy Sheldon
5. Maddy Siegrist
6. Satou Sabally

Whether or not presumptive 2025 No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers eventually ends up in a Dallas uniform, new general manager Curt Miller should think about sustainability when deciding which Wings to protect. Which players are most likely to help Dallas to become a consistent contender? Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally are no-brainers. Recent top draft picks Jacy Sheldon and Maddy Siegrist also should be protected without question. What about the bigs? For all her talent, Teaira McCowan brings limitations as a traditional big. In contrast, the rawer Awak Kueir offers a more modern, versatile skillset. If unprotected, Golden State might quickly pluck her. That’s also true of Carla Leite, who, like the Sun’s Lacan, is a young French player with star(ish) upside.

Indiana Fever

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Roster: Aliyah Boston, Amanda Zhaui B., Caitlin Clark, Damiris Dantas, Erica Wheeler (UFA), Grace Berger, Katie Lou Samuelson, Kelsey Mitchell (UFA), Kristy Wallace, Lexie Hull, NaLyssa Smith, Temi Fagbenle (RFA), Vicataria Saxton

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Aliyah Boston
2. Caitlin Clark
3. Kelsey Mitchell
4. Lexie Hull
5. NaLyssa Smith
6. Temi Fagbenle

The Fever’s top six should be one of the more straight forward. Even if new head coach Stephanie White has different plans for the team than former head coach Christie Sides, she’ll want to make sure that Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, NaLyssa Smith and Temi Fagbenle are, barring forthcoming free agent decisions or trades, part of her process in Indy. This scenario would leave the underutilized-yet-versatile Grace Berger available for the Valkyries.

Las Vegas Aces

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Roster: A’ja Wilson, Alysha Clark (UFA), Chelsea Gray, Elizabeth Kitley (unsigned draftee), Jackie Young, Kate Martin, Kelsey Plum (UFA), Kiah Stokes, Kierstan Bell, Megan Gustafson, Queen Egbo (reserved), Sydney Colson (UFA), Tiffany Hayes (UFA)

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. A’ja Wilson
2. Chelsea Gray
3. Elizabeth Kitley
4. Jackie Young
5. Kate Martin
6. Kelsey Plum

The Aces’ core four of A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum aren’t going anywhere. After that, will Vegas look to protect their veterans, meaning some combination of the three of Alysha Clark, Kiah Stokes and Tiffany Hayes? Or will the team choose to hold onto to youngsters Elizabeth Kitley and Kate Martin in hopes of building out a reliable, homegrown bench, something the organization has struggled to do in their championship-chasing era? Because Golden State might be more intrigued by Kitley or Martin, Vegas could choose to lock them down and risk leaving their free-agent-to-be vets in Clark and Hayes unprotected.

Los Angeles Sparks

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Roster: Aari McDonald (RFA), Azurá Stevens, Cameron Brink, Dearica Hamby, Julie Allemand (suspended), Kia Nurse (UFA), Layshia Clarendon (retired), Lexie Brown, Li Yueru (reserved), Maria Vadeeva (suspended), Rae Burrell, Rickea Jackson, Shaneice Swain (unsigned draftee), Stephanie Talbot, Zia Cooke

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Aari McDonald
2. Azurá Stevens
3. Cameron Brink
4. Dearica Hamby
5. Rickea Jackson
6. Stephanie Talbot

While Los Angeles has a new head coach in Lynne Roberts, the organization’s leadership team otherwise is the same. So, in addition to Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, expect Azurá Stevens and Stephanie Talbot also to be protected, as both were signed to contract extensions during the 2024 season. Maybe Roberts will have some say in selecting the team’s sixth protected player. Although a shaky 3-point shooter, Aari McDonald’s ability to push the pace as a point guard could appeal to the new, offensive-minded head coach. If she intends to return to the WNBA next season, Julie Allemand also could be a fit for the Roberts-led Sparks.

Minnesota Lynx

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Roster: Alanna Smith, Alissa Pili, Bridget Carleton, Cecilia Zandalasini (reserved), Courtney Williams, Diamond Miller, Dorka Juhász, Jessica Shepard (suspended), Kayla McBride, Maia Hirsch (unsigned draftee), Myisha Hines-Allen (UFA), Napheesa Collier, Natalie Achonwa (retired), Natisha Hiedeman (UFA), Olivia Époupa (reserved)

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Alanna Smith
2. Bridget Carleton
3. Courtney Williams
4. Diamond Miller
5. Kayla McBride
6. Napheesa Collier

The five starters who helped the Lynx make it all the way to Game 5 of the WNBA Finals—Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier—certainly will not escape Minnesota’s clutches. The team then has a tough decision for their sixth spot. If the organization prioritizes upside, that final spot has to go to Diamond Miller. But with the Lynx sure to be chasing the championship they believe should already be theirs, the organization might opt for fit over talent. In that case, could Dorka Juhász or Jessica Shepard be protected? Regardless, it seems like Alissa Pili will not be one of Minnesota’s six, leaving her as an appealing option for Golden State.

New York Liberty

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Roster: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Breanna Stewart (UFA), Courtney Vandersloot (UFA), Han Xu (suspended), Ivana Dojkić (reserved), Jaylyn Sherrod (reserved), Jonquel Jones, Kaitlyn Davis (unsigned draftee), Kayla Thornton, Kennedy Burke (UFA), Leonie Fiebich, Marine Fauthoux (unsigned draftee), Marine Johannès (reserved), Marquesha Davis, Nyara Sabally, Raquel Carrera (unsigned draftee), Rebekah Gardner (reserved), Sabrina Ionescu

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
2. Breanna Stewart
3. Jonquel Jones
4. Leonie Fiebich
5. Nyara Sabally
6. Sabrina Ionescu

It will take less than a New York minute for the Liberty to protect the five players who started throughout the team’s run to the 2024 WNBA title: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fiebich and Sabrina Ionescu. For the sixth player, it gets tricky. Courtney Vandersloot’s arrival helped inaugurate this era of Liberty basketball. But, the General has lost a step or two. That said, a slightly diminished Sloot might be the best potential point guard option for the Valkyries, resulting in Golden State snapping her up if she is left unprotected. However, the same might be said of Nyara Sabally, a Game 5 hero for the Liberty who, when healthy, would be one of the league’s best backup bigs in New York or a deserving starter in Golden State. Because her primary loyalties are with the French national team, it seems unlikely that the Liberty would protect Marine Johannès, leaving the flair-filled fan favorite as an intriguing possibility for the Valkyries.

Phoenix Mercury

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Roster: Amy Atwell (reserved), Brittney Griner (UFA; ineligible to be drafted), Celeste Taylor (reserved), Charisma Osborne (reserved), Diana Taurasi (UFA), Kahleah Copper, Klara Lunquist (reserved), Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (reserved), Monique Billings (UFA), Natasha Cloud, Natasha Mack (reserved), Rebecca Allen, Sophie Cunningham

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Celeste Taylor
2. Kahleah Copper
3. Natasha Cloud
4. Natasha Mack
5. Rebecca Allen
6. Sophie Cunningham

Surely Golden State has no interest in starting their team with a player who will turn 43 during the 2025 season, if she doesn’t decide to retire? Phoenix shouldn’t waste a protected spot on Diana Taurasi, even for symbolic, nostalgic reasons. Four of the team’s protections quickly should be claimed by Kahleah Copper, Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen and Sophie Cunningham. It makes sense to reserve one of the final two spots for Natasha Mack, who proved herself a capable back up for Brittney Griner in 2024. Will the team’s final slot go to Celeste Taylor, who seemed to find a home in Phoenix after a peripatetic rookie year, or could the organization choose to hang onto someone like Monique Billings, as the team lacks a traditional power forward?

Seattle Storm

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Roster: Ezi Magbegor, Gabby Williams (UFA), Jewell Loyd, Jordan Horston, Joyner Holmes (UFA), Mackenzie Holmes (unsigned draftee), Mercedes Russell (UFA), Nika Mühl, Nneka Ogwumike (UFA; ineligible to be drafted), Sami Whitcomb (UFA), Skylar Diggins-Smith, Victoria Vivians (UFA)

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Ezi Magbegor
2. Gabby Williams
3. Jewell Loyd
4. Jordan Horston
5. Nika Mühl
6. Skylar Diggins-Smith

Things might be a bit messy in Seattle at the moment, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the team made some substantial moves during free agency to address internal tensions. That said, the Storm certainly will protect their All-Star-caliber players: Ezi Magbegor, Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith. Jordan Horston likewise is a keeper. And even with her iffy commitment to playing in the WNBA, Gabby Williams shouldn’t be left for Golden State to grab. That leaves one final spot. Is the team invested in developing the little-used Nika Mühl? Or, does the organization have more hope for Mackenzie Holmes, who could debut in 2025? Golden State, most likely, would have their eyes on either of those 2024 draft picks.

Washington Mystics

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Roster: Aaliyah Edwards, Ariel Atkins, Bernadett Határ (reserved), Brittney Sykes, Elena Delle Donne (UFA), Emily Engstler (reserved), Jade Melbourne, Julie Vanloo (reserved), Karlie Samuelson, Li Meng (reserved), Nastja Claessens (unsigned draftee), Shakira Austin, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (UFA), Sika Koné, Stefanie Dolson, Sug Sutton (reserved), Txell Alarcón (unsigned draftee)

Which six players should be protected and why?

1. Aaliyah Edwards
2. Ariel Atkins
3. Brittney Sykes
4. Emily Engstler
5. Shakira Austin
6. Stefanie Dolson

How Washington manages the expansion draft will be fascinating. The Mystics remain without a general manager or head coach, but the executive leadership team at Monumental Sports, led by president Michael Winger, has made it clear that the organization intends to rebuild. That mindset probably means that the most interesting Mystic—Elena Delle Donne, who stepped away from the WNBA last season after her trade request went unfulfilled—will be unprotected. And yet, does the franchise want to risk seeing a healthy Delle Donne suiting up in Valkyrie Violet and giving the league buckets? Regardless of the uncertainty in DC, Aaliyah Edwards, Ariel Atkins, Brittney Sykes, Shakira Austin and Stefanie Dolson should be protected. Emily Engstler, who emerged as an impactful player in Washington after an unstable start to her WNBA career, might be the obvious candidate for the Mystics’ final slot.