Kate Martin Waived As Golden State Valkyries Turn To Kaitlyn Chen And Gabby Williams

The Golden State Valkyries opened their 2026 WNBA season with a roster shake-up that quickly became one of the league’s most discussed early storylines: fan-favorite guard Kate Martin was waived, Kaitlyn Chen seized a larger backcourt role, and Gabby Williams made her debut for a team trying to build on a breakthrough first year.

Golden State’s decision came as the club finalized its opening roster before Friday night’s road opener against the Seattle Storm. Martin’s departure drew immediate reaction from fans, but Chen’s career-high performance in a 91-80 win gave the Valkyries an early basketball argument for one of their most difficult roster calls.

Kate Martin Cut Ends A Popular Valkyries Chapter

Martin’s release was not a routine transaction for Golden State. The guard became one of the expansion franchise’s most recognizable players during its inaugural season, combining steady minutes, strong fan support and a public profile shaped partly by her Iowa connection to Caitlin Clark.

The move was made as Martin dealt with a Grade 2 right quad strain that limited her during training camp. Injuries can be especially damaging at the end of a WNBA preseason, where roster spots are scarce and teams often have little flexibility under the salary cap.

Martin averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game last season, numbers that made her a useful rotation player rather than simply a fan draw. Her release still reflected the hard math of the WNBA roster system: popularity matters, but immediate availability, positional balance and cap structure often decide the final spots.

Head coach Natalie Nakase described the decision as emotionally difficult, and that response matched the reaction around the team. Martin was not just another camp cut. She had been part of the Valkyries’ early identity.

Kaitlyn Chen Rewards The Roster Decision

Chen made the final roster as the backup point guard behind Veronica Burton, and her opening-night performance gave Golden State an immediate lift. She scored a career-high 14 points off the bench against Seattle, helping power a reserve unit that carried the Valkyries through a game disrupted by injuries.

Her role matters because Golden State’s offense depends on ball movement, pace and guards who can organize second-unit possessions without slowing the team down. Chen’s minutes showed why the coaching staff valued her fit. She gave the Valkyries another handler, created scoring pressure and helped stabilize the team when the rotation changed midgame.

The timing also intensified comparisons with Martin. Golden State did not frame the roster decision as one player against the other, but the practical effect was clear: Chen’s spot came as Martin was waived. In the first game after that call, Chen gave the Valkyries production they needed immediately.

That does not erase what Martin meant to the franchise. It does, however, show why the front office prioritized healthy guard depth and point-of-attack organization as the season began.

Gabby Williams Adds Defense, Versatility And Star Power

Williams’ arrival gives Golden State one of the league’s most versatile perimeter players. Her debut came against her former team, adding another layer to a season opener already heavy with roster intrigue.

Williams brings defensive range, transition speed and international experience to a Valkyries team that wants to play fast without losing structure. She can guard multiple positions, pressure passing lanes and help cover for lineup shifts caused by injuries or absences.

Her presence also changes Golden State’s ceiling. The Valkyries were a competitive expansion success in 2025, but second-year teams often face a harder challenge: proving the first season was not a novelty. Adding Williams signals that the franchise is trying to move from feel-good story to sustainable playoff contender.

The early chemistry is still developing. Williams joined a roster with returning veterans, younger players and several moving parts. But her skill set fits Nakase’s preferred style: active defense, quick decisions and lineups that can switch or run.

Injuries Force Golden State Into Smaller Lineups

The roster picture changed again before and during the opener. Center Iliana Rupert is expected to miss the season because of pregnancy, leading the Valkyries to pursue a replacement contract. Kiah Stokes entered the season as the primary listed center, while Laeticia Amihere and other frontcourt pieces are expected to absorb minutes in smaller alignments.

The situation grew more complicated in Seattle when Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini exited the game with injuries. Golden State still won by leaning heavily on bench production, with Janelle Salaün scoring 20 points and Chen adding the backcourt spark.

That resilience was encouraging, but the depth issue is real. The Valkyries can play smaller and faster, yet a long season will test whether they have enough size, shooting and healthy guards to survive the grind. Rupert’s absence alone changes the frontcourt plan; additional injuries would make every roster decision even more important.

Valkyries’ Early Gamble Comes With Real Stakes

Golden State’s 91-80 win gave the team a strong start, but the Martin decision will continue to follow the Valkyries until the backcourt picture settles. If Chen becomes a reliable second-unit guard and Williams elevates the defense, the move will be easier to understand in basketball terms. If injuries pile up or the offense stalls, Martin’s release will remain a point of frustration for supporters.

The Valkyries now move toward their home opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, May 10, with a roster that already looks tested. The first game showed the promise of the new group: depth scoring, defensive adjustments and a clear role for Chen. It also showed how quickly the season can become unpredictable.

For Martin, free agency opens the next question. Her recovery timeline and market fit will determine whether another team moves quickly or waits for full health. For Golden State, the decision has already been made. The challenge now is proving that a painful cut helped create a stronger team.