It was all good until this weekend. The Golden State Valkyries’ playoff hopes took a hit with All-Star forward Kayla Thornton’s season-ending injury. The Bay Area team sidelined the star forward for the season due to a right knee injury.
This comes amid an already injury-ridden season where teams are looking left, right, and center with unease. The Valkyries are now put into an unfavourable situation with the setback, and now it places them in a tough spot while we head into the trade deadline.
Kayla Thornton’s Injury Puts Valkyries In Tough Situation
Injury to a single player could not turn the world around for a team, agreed. But when it takes away a player who is clocking a team-high 30.1 minutes per game and 5.8% offensive-rebound rate, it hurts.
The power forward’s setback comes at a time when the San Francisco team is already facing a tough stretch with multiple losses in a row. Ranked fifth in the Western Conference and ninth in the league, things look murky ahead of the WNBA trade deadline on August 7.
Moment of clarity 🎙️ Kayla Thornton’s absence is a bigger blow than fans realize. 💔
— Golden State Valkyries Fan Report (@valkyriesreport) July 27, 2025
Even when she wasn’t scoring, she was the vocal anchor—barking out rotations, calling out lapses, setting the tone. 🗣️
If nobody’s ready to step up and lead…
👀 it might be time to look ahead… pic.twitter.com/uy3JJTDr2a
The newest franchise is zeroing in on the Washington Mystics and the Las Vegas Aces for the final playoff spots. There will be a five-game road trip and if the poor showing continues, they will turn ‘from buyers into sellers’ in no time.
In the meantime, head coach Natalie Nakase could explore the alternatives to making a fitting roster going forward. She could look around Janelle Salaün and Center Iliana Rupert to pick from where Thornton left. However, it would be a tough task for the two youngsters to match the 6 ft 1’s rebounding role, hence they start.
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Valkyries Were Unprepared For Kayla Thornton’s Injury
With no injured reserve in the WNBA, Thornton’s roster spot limits Golden State to 11 active players unless they cut her before her contract expires. Adding players like rumored trade targets Megan Gustafson, Aaliyah Edwards, or Isabelle Harrison would require roster moves.
Alternatively, veterans like Tiffany Hayes or Temi Fagbenle could be trade bait for contenders. Something that could entice the Aces or Fever if the Valkyries pivot toward the future. General manager Ohemaa Nyanin stressed a thoughtful approach, but Thornton’s absence and the upcoming expansion draft complicate planning.
Only Kate Martin and Carla Leite are under contract for 2026, and restricted free agents like Zandalasini and Veronica Burton have little to offer in terms of flexibility.
Also Read: Kayla Thornton’s Season-Ending Injury Prompts Honest Admission From Coach Natalie Nakase