Report: Kate Martin Will Be Selected In WNBA Expansion Draft

12/06/2024 05:32 PM

After spending one season with the Las Vegas Aces, it appears Kate Martin is already on the move. 

According to The Athletic, the Golden State Valkyries are expected to select Martin in this Friday's WNBA Expansion Draft. While fans of the Aces probably won't love to hear that, it would give the Iowa product a chance to earn a lot more playing time. After all, the Valkyries won't be nearly as loaded as the Aces. 

Martin, the 18th pick from the 2024 WNBA Draft, averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game during her rookie season. She became so popular that her fans were being referred to as the "Martinis." 

Prior to joining the Aces, Martin was considered a game-changer at Iowa. In her final season of college hoops, she averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. As a result, she received second-team All-Big Ten honors. 

So far, the reactions to Martin possibly going to Golden State are pretty negative. That's because Las Vegas fans don't want to see her leave.  

"I'm literally sick to my stomach," one fan commented. 

"Y'all ruined my Christmas," another fan said. 

"Kate was having so much fun with her vets...," a third fan wrote. 

From a fan standpoint, we get why Aces fans wanted Martin back for the 2025 season. That being said, this move is probably what's best for the player. She can develop her skills on the Valkyries while the Aces continue to contend. 

Martin isn't the only player linked to Golden State. Per the report from The Athletic, Kayla Thornton of the New York Liberty is also expected to be one of the picks in the expansion draft. 

The WNBA Expansion Draft will take place at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. 

Related: Everyone's Loving What Kate Martin Said About Her New Girlfriend