Why would Valkyries waive fan-favorite Kate Martin in final roster cuts?

SAN FRANCISCO – Kate Martin’s time in Ballhalla appears to have come to an end. The Golden State Valkyries waived the fan-favorite third-year guard Thursday morning as the team finalized its 12-player roster. The move paved the way for Kaitlyn Chen and Laeticia Amihere, two players who were also on the bubble, to make the final roster, a year removed from being waived in training camp last season.

With the Valkyries adding all-around star Gabby Williams in free agency and guaranteeing contracts to guards Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes, the logjam at shooting guard and unprotected nature of Martin’s rookie contract made her far more expendable.

Add in the fact that the Grade 2 quad strain Martin suffered in training camp prevented her from fully practicing and competing with the other players on the bubble, and the decision to waive starts to become less surprising.

But ultimately, looped into the Valkyries’ decision to cut Martin is another stunning piece of news. The team announced that French center Iliana Rupert is pregnant and has filed for a replacement contract, meaning she’ll likely be out for the majority of the season.

Without Rupert, the Valkyries’ projected starting center, Amihere became far more important to their frontcourt depth as a free agent acquisition; Kiah Stokes was the only center player left on the roster.

And center depth wasn’t the only roster need. Chen was the only point guard rostered behind starter Veronica Burton, making her far more valuable than a wing like Martin, given the Valkyries’ massive depth in that position group.

What’s next for Kate Martin and the Valkyries?

While it’s technically possible, Martin and the Valkyries can stay together; the path to that outcome seems unlikely.

Golden State cannot use Martin as the replacement player they filed for due to Rupert’s pregnancy per the CBA. They could use their final developmental spot on Martin, but that would require her to clear waivers, which seems doubtful given her talent level. While she wasn’t the right fit for the Valkyries this season, her shooting, youth, and personality remain intriguing on the open market.

And even if she cleared waivers, it still doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to return on a developmental contract. The Valkyries likely want to use that last spot on frontcourt depth, given the loss of Rupert, and they already have a guard in Miela Sowah taking up the other spot. 

As for the Valkyries, they’ll look to find a replacement player for Rupert. Per the new pregnancy and childbirth salary cap exception, Rupert’s salary will not count against the Valkyries salary cap, making it easier to insert a replacement. But that’s where the good news ends. There is no center out on the market that can replicate what Rupert can do.

Rupert’s shooting was one of the lone bright spots in a very clunky Valkyries offense. She averaged 9.3 points and 3.9 rebounds on 44.2% from deep in 21 games last season. As a result, the Valkyries could be in the market for a potential in-season trade depending on how things shake out.

Regardless, it seems like Martin and the Golden State’s split is final. Her Valkyries violet No. 20 was the third-highest-selling jersey in the WNBA last year. A lot of people will have some shopping to do once Martin lands somewhere.

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