3 players Golden State Valkyries should pick up in 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft 

The WNBA will add its 13th organization in 2025 when the Golden State Valkyries begin their inaugural season. Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin and the rest of the Golden State front office are preparing to build the roster in the WNBA expansion draft on Friday.

Each WNBA team can protect up to six players, with the Valkyries free to select one player per team from the pool of available players. The franchise can also only select one upcoming free agent. Golden State can sacrifice selections to reserve roster spots for free agents and draft picks.

With the WNBA expansion draft rapidly approaching, here are three players Golden State should look to build their roster around.

3 players Golden State Valkyries should select in 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft

#1. Alissa Pili, Minnesota Lynx

Minnesota Lynx v Seattle Storm - Source: Getty

As a title contender, protecting key veterans alongside star players will be a priority for the Minnesota Lynx, meaning Alissa Pili could be available in the player pool. Pili would be a slam-dunk selection for the WNBA's newest team.

Pili was selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft after a storied collegiate career at Utah. She was buried behind one of the best cores in the league, giving her little time to display her talent in her rookie season. Pili has the potential to develop at a rapid pace in a starting role.

#2. Haley Jones, Atlanta Dream

WNBA: JUN 11 Washington Mystics at Atlanta Dream - Source: Getty

Haley Jones' production took a dip in year two with the Atlanta Dream despite an increase in minutes, leaving reason to believe she could be available in the expansion draft. Jones could enjoy a homecoming in Golden State as a Santa Cruz native and Stanford alumni. She also fits Natalie Nakase's desired culture of strong defense and 3-point shooting.

Jones was selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2023 WNBA draft and is a talented three-level scorer at the two. Similar to Alissa Pili, a sizeable bump in playing time could pay dividends for her immediate development.

#3. Kayla Thornton, New York Liberty

New York Liberty v Washington Mystics - Source: Getty

The defending WNBA champs will have some tough calls to make regarding protected players. The most likely result is that the Liberty retains all of its starters as they look to repeat. This makes Kayla Thornton available for Golden State. Like Haley Jones, Thornton fits Nakase's mold of '3-and-D' specialists.

Kayla Thornton also provides a valuable veteran presence, something that could significantly benefit what's likely to be one of the youngest rosters in the WNBA. Her championship pedigree with the New York Liberty is also likely to impress her potential head coach, who won two championships on the Las Vegas Aces' coaching staff.

Which players do you think the Golden State Valkyries should look to select in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft on Friday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.