It is perfectly normal for a WNBA All-Star like Gabby Williams to reject a “super team” dynasty like the Las Vegas Aces. But the real shocker is where she landed instead: a second-year expansion team.
Well, every offseason has that one move that many would consider unexpected. This year, it might just be Gabby Williams heading home. The All-Star forward has signed a multi-year deal with the Golden State Valkyries, despite having offers from top-tier franchises like the Las Vegas Aces and the Minnesota Lynx.
Of course, one would think it’s really a no-brainer for a WNBA player in her prime to pick a championship contender like the Las Vegas Aces or the Minnesota Lynx. But looking closely at the squad that the Golden State Valkyries are building, maybe Gabby Williams’ choice might be valid. They have re-signed point guard Veronica Burton, who was named the league’s Most Improved Player last season. And most notably, they’ve also re-signed Janelle Salaün and Iliana Rupert, two French national team stars. In fact, with Gabby Williams now joining the team, they are practically transplanting France’s defensive core, the three starters, into the roster.
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So maybe, with that, the Bay Area just feels more like home, Williams. Her move to the team is already a homecoming. She was born and raised in Sparks, Nevada. That region shares deep cultural and geographical ties with the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Golden State Valkyries are based. As General Manager, Ohemaa Nyanin explicitly stated, “Gabby has deep roots in the Bay Area, and she is coming home.” She is, in fact, the first player with such strong regional ties to join the franchise.
And what an addition she is. Gabby Williams is coming off the most productive season of her seven-year WNBA career with the Seattle Storm. She led the league with 2.3 steals per game last season, totaling 99. She also earned her first All-Star selection, All-Defensive First Team, and finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Of course, her addition does not automatically make the Golden State Valkyries favorites to win the WNBA championship. They finished their first season in the league with a 23-21 record and crashed out in the first round of the playoffs, losing 0-2 to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.
With an improved core, they can hope that her signing elevates the team, even if only slightly above last season’s level. They are, however, not done with their build yet, but it would be hard to outdo the transfer they’ve secured.
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WNBA Fans React to Gabby Williams’ Valkyries Signing
Instead of joining a proven powerhouse like the Las Vegas Aces, All-Star forward Gabby Williams is heading to the Golden State Valkyries, and it’s a move that’s sparked debate across the WNBA landscape. “Oh man, really wanted her at the Aces… It’s alright though. Good luck to her,” one fan said, reacting to the news. Another fan, also with the same expectation, said, “I was hoping the Aces would snap her up!!!”
For some fans, however, the expectation was that Williams’ move to the Aces was already concluded. As one fan put it, “Thought I saw she signed with the Aces yesterday, but I’m cool with this! Lol.” And of course, the Aces should be good even without this signing. They are the reigning WNBA champions, and they’ve still got stars like A’ja Wilson, four-time league MVP, All-Stars Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, and six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd.
But then, even if it isn’t a defining miss for the Aces, it is absolutely a great addition for the Valkyries. As one fan puts it, “Valkyries just landed a steal literally.” And of course, according to another fan, “Gabby Williams bringing that All-Star defense, the Golden State Valkyries squad is cooking already.”
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Well, whether missing out on Gabby Williams will come back to affect the Las Vegas Aces remains to be seen. Only time will tell.
