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Sun Get: The rights to Iliana Rupert, 2025 No. 5 pick, 2026 1st-rounder
Valkyries Get: Alyssa Thomas via sign-and-trade
While the Valkyries could wait for 2026 free agency to make a splash, they could get a head start in 2025 by trading for a cored player. Golden State is in a unique spot as a new franchise with a wealth of roster flexibility and so much unknown. If the team swings for the fences and connects with a key trade early, that could open the door for additional free agents to make their way to the W’s 13th franchise.
Alyssa Thomas, 32, has been one of the best players in the game since returning from her Achilles injury in 2022, finishing in the top-five of MVP voting in three straight seasons. She is a system unto herself in some ways, capable of anchoring a defense and opening up an offense as a facilitator and creator.
With high-level facilities, an enticing market and a star via trade, the Valkyries could set themselves up for early success as a franchise.
The Sun cored Thomas, and she could well return to play one more season at Mohegan Sun, but a change in scenery feels likely. The Sun could provide an interesting package for her.
Iliana Rupert has long been a quality prospect, having played two seasons in the W with the Aces and Dream, flashing potential as a big who can stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways.
The 23-year-old has taken another leap as a player, fully realizing that potential this season in Euroleague play with CBK Mersin in Turkey, averaging 17.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting the leather off the ball. She’s playing with an edge, has grown into how she handles physicality and looks primed to take another step in the WNBA.
Connecticut seems focused on remaining competitive, and while trading a franchise star icon is difficult, adding a young talent in Rupert as well as two first-rounds picks is probably the best value possible—as it’s very unlikely to see a sign-and-trade result in anything more than a one-year deal, given the impending CBA change.
