Kate Martin is back to warming the bench again

Tiffany Hayes is taking her talents to the Bay. Hayes, who won the 2024 Sixth Player of the Year award, joined the Golden State Valkyries as a free agent on Thursday after spending a season with A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces.

The move generated some chatter on social media, with some fans saying it could affect Kate Martin’s role with the Valkyries.

“And just like that Kate Martin is back to warming the bench again. Tell me it’s not true, but I’m going to need proof like the entire season. We’ve seen the bait and switch before,” one fan said.

Others mentioned Martin in a more positive light, hyping up her reunion with Hayes.

“Tip and Money Martin on the same team?! The Valkyries are gonna be one of my top teams to root for…easy!” one fan said.

Others tried to explain why this move made sense for Hayes.

“You are doi g a bad job of tanking. Congrats,” one fan said.

“Not surprising to me. She came chasing a ring. Didn’t get it, but got attention. She’d never be a starter in LV, and salary cap issues,” another fan said.

The Valkyries filled the majority of their roster spots during the expansion draft in December. They did not take a player from the Seattle Storm, though, meaning they could add at least one player through free agency or trade.

Tiffany Hayes had a remarkable 2024 season with Aces

After spending 10 seasons with the Atlanta Dream, Tiffany Hayes signed with the Connecticut Sun in 2023. She arrived in Las Vegas in 2024.

Hayes put up decent numbers. She averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 50% from the field, including 40.2% from deep, and 71.4% from the free-throw line.

Despite protecting her in the expansion draft, the Aces couldn’t keep Tiffany Hayes on the roster and lost her as a free agent.

Edited by Orlando Silva