The Golden State Valkyries have sparked outrage by cutting fan favorite Kate Martin to finalize their roster. This decision follows a controversial offseason that included trading a high draft pick.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) greets Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The Golden State Valyries front office has made some questionable moves this offseason. Fans were incensed when the franchise drafted former LSU Tigers star Flauājae Johnson with the eighth overall pick, only to trade her to the Seattle Storm for the 16th overall pick, Marta Suarez, and a future second-rounder.
Suarez has since been cut. Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin explained to reporters on Golden Stateās media day that the move was made in order to maintain cap flexibility under the leagueās new collective bargaining agreement, but fans still werenāt satisfied with how things played out.
On Thursday, another move was made that has the fans up in arms. To reach the leagueās allotted 12 roster spots ahead of the season, Golden State has cut fan favorite Kate Martin, who played her college ball with Caitlin Clark.
āTo get to their opening day roster, the Golden State Valkyries have waived Kate Martin and have also filed for a replacement contract for Iliana Rupert, who is pregnant,ā ESPNās Alex Philippou reported on X.
Valkyries fans online were not happy with the move, to say the least.
āThis is dumb as h*ll but I saw it coming once they said she was hurt and then them cutting their draft picks this franchise might be the most unserious one ive seen in my life,ā one fan wrote on X.
The Valkyries cut Kate Martin to reach the league's limit of 12 roster spots ahead of the season.
The Valkyries faced backlash for drafting Flauājae Johnson and then trading her for a lower pick, as well as cutting Marta Suarez shortly after.
Fans expressed outrage over the decision, as Kate Martin was a fan favorite and had a notable college career with Caitlin Clark.

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āInvestigate the Valkyries bruh,ā someone else added.
āThe most obvious Fever signing incoming,ā another fan predicted.
Itāll be interesting to see where Martin lands.
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