"Jersey doesn't change sisterhood": WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones bids emotional farewell to now-Golden State rival Kayla Thornton 

The 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty bid her farewell to her now-former teammate, Kayla Thornton. The Golden State Valkyries, the newest addition to the WNBA, selected Thornton in the league's expansion draft, along with 10 other active players.

On Monday, Jones posted photos honoring her time with Thornton on her Instagram account. She also wrote a touching caption commemorating her time with the 6-foot-1 forward.

"I’m going to miss you so much sis, but you know the jersey doesn’t change the sisterhood! Continue to be you and shine in the Golden State ❤️🥹🫶🏾," Jones posted on IG.

Jones and Thornton were acquired by the Liberty in the same three-team deal back in 2023. Jones came from the Connecticut Sun, while Thornton arrived from the Dallas Wings.

Last season, Thornton played 40 games for the Liberty. During the 2024 WNBA season, she averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds on 35% shooting from beyond the arc. During the postseason, her production declined, and averaged a lowly 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds.

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Jonquel Jones' initial reaction to Kayla Thornton getting drafted by Golden State

Jonquel Jones did not take the news of Golden State taking Kayla Thornton too well. On Friday, she took to X (formerly Twitter) her reaction to her friend getting drafted.

"Damn they took the homie!" Jones posted.

Eleven players, including Thornton, must depart their current team to join the new Golden State squad. Ohemaa Nyanin, the team's general manager, contacted the players they had chosen in the expansion draft.

The Valkyries selected Iliana Rupert from the Atlanta Dream, Veronica Burton from the Connecticut Sun, Carla Leite from the Dallas Wings and Maria Conde from the Chicago Sky on Friday.

Indiana Fever's Temi Fagbenle, Las Vegas Aces' Kate Martin, LA Sparks' Steph Talbot, Minnesota Lynx's Cecilia Zandalasini and Phoenix Mercury's Monique Billings complete the 11-woman roster for the Golden State team.