Four days after being waived, Martin signs with LA. A stark reminder of the WNBA's unforgiving roster churn.
Kate Martin's WNBA career isn't over—it just took a sharp detour. Four days after the Golden State Valkyries waived her, the guard signed a development roster contract with the Los Angeles Sparks. The move keeps Martin in the league and gives LA a fresh backcourt option with upside.
Martin, a 2024 third-round pick out of Iowa, was cut by the expansion Valkyries during final roster trimming. The Valkyries opted for veteran depth over developmental projects, a common calculus for new teams chasing immediate wins. But Martin's skill set—defensive tenacity, high basketball IQ, and a reliable catch-and-shoot game—didn't stay available long.
The Sparks, rebuilding after a 17-23 season, have prioritized young talent. Martin joins a development roster that allows her to practice with the team and earn a call-up if injuries or performance gaps arise. For LA, it's a low-risk flier on a player who showed flashes in limited preseason minutes.
Implications: Martin's rapid rebound underscores the WNBA's brutal roster churn. With only 144 regular-season roster spots league-wide, every waiver wire move can flip a career. Players must stay ready, connected, and willing to relocate on a moment's notice.
For teams, the development roster is a strategic pipeline—a way to stash talent without burning a standard contract slot. What's next: Martin will join the Sparks for training camp and compete for a two-way or standard deal. If she impresses, she could see court time during the 2025 season.
If not, she remains one waiver wire away from another chance. Read at ESPN
Martin's quick signing is a microcosm of the WNBA's unforgiving roster churn. With only 144 standard roster spots, every waiver move can end or extend a career. The development roster offers a lifeline, but it's no safety net—players must prove their worth daily. This story matters because it shows how fast opportunity shifts in women's pro basketball, where there's zero offseason buffer and every team is watching the wire.
ESPNespn.comBy Kendra AndrewsMay 10, 11:52 PMen
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