Gabby Williams, an All-Star player, has signed a multiyear contract with the Golden State Valkyries, as announced by the team on Sunday.
In a separate development, Alyssa Thomas will return to the Phoenix Mercury for the upcoming season.
Last season, Williams achieved a career-high average of 11.6 points and 4.2 assists, while also leading the WNBA in steals with 2.3 per game during her time with the Seattle Storm. Her performance earned her a spot as an All-Star for the first time in her career, and she was also named to the All-Defensive First Team.
Valkyries Welcome Williams
Ohemaa Nyanin, general manager of the Valkyries, expressed enthusiasm about Williams joining the team, stating, “For a player of Gabby’s caliber to choose us in just our second year … means everything. She is world-class. One of the best defenders in the world, a WNBA All-Star, and someone who makes everyone around her better.”
In their inaugural season, the Valkyries made a remarkable playoff appearance, marking the first time an expansion team achieved this feat. Williams, who was originally drafted fourth by the Chicago Sky in 2018, had brief stints with the Los Angeles Sparks before being traded to Seattle in 2022.
Thomas Returns to Phoenix
Alyssa Thomas, who was a finalist for the MVP award last season and earned All-WNBA and All-Defensive First Team honors, will rejoin the Mercury. Her contributions were pivotal in leading the team to the WNBA Finals.
Nick U’Ren, general manager of the Mercury, commented on Thomas’s return, saying, “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix. Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the Finals last season.”
Mercury’s Additional Moves
The Mercury have also re-signed All-Star wings Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner, both of whom played crucial roles in the team’s success last season alongside Thomas. Additionally, veteran guard Sami Whitcomb has been retained by the team.
Other Free Agency Moves
In other news, Sophie Cunningham and Damiris Dantas have re-signed with the Indiana Fever. Cunningham had an average of 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 30 games before suffering a season-ending MCL tear in August. Dantas joined the Fever ahead of the 2024 season and has played in 58 games, averaging 4.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Additionally, the Fever welcomed back Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull, who announced their return to the team on Saturday. The Fever also added Monique Billings on the first day of free agency.
Other Team Updates
The Toronto Tempo signed forward Isabelle Harrison, previously coached by Sandy Brondello in New York, as they continue to build their roster.
The Minnesota Lynx have re-signed five-time All-Star Kayla McBride to a two-year deal and welcomed back Courtney Williams. The team also acquired two-time All-Star Natasha Howard, who played with Indiana last season.
The Chicago Sky have added guard DiJonai Carrington and re-signed Courtney Vandersloot, while also completing a trade for Rickea Jackson from Los Angeles.
The Connecticut Sun have signed guard Kennedy Burke and re-signed forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa to a two-year deal, while the Seattle Storm have re-signed forward Ezi Magbegor and wing Katie Lou Samuelson, alongside signing free agent Stefanie Dolson and guard Jade Melbourne.
The Las Vegas Aces have retained core players Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, while the Washington Mystics signed forward Michaela Onyenwere to a multiyear deal. The expansion Portland Fire added center Megan Gustafson, who played with Las Vegas last season.