Golden State Valkyries waive former Hawkeye Kate Martin

The Golden State Valkyries waived former Iowa guard Kate Martin on May 7, potentially due to her recent Grade II quad injury, leaving her available on the WNBA waiver wire. Martin, a 2024 second-round draft pick, averaged 6.2 points per game during her lone season with the Valkyries and could re-sign with Golden State or join another team like the Indiana Fever if cleared." "article": "The Golden State Valkyries announced on May 7 that they had waived former Iowa women’s basketball guard Kate Martin. Martin, a second-round pick (No. 18 overall) in the 2024 WNBA Draft, spent her first professional season with the Las Vegas Aces before joining Golden State in the 2024 expansion draft. During her time with the Valkyries, Martin served as a bench scorer and three-point shooter, averaging 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. However, she suffered a Grade II right quad injury in the team’s lone preseason game, which may have influenced the decision to waive her. Martin’s release places her on the WNBA waiver wire, where she could be claimed by any of the remaining 14 teams. If she clears waivers, she will become a free agent and could re-sign with Golden State on a developmental contract. Another possibility is that Martin could reunite with her former Iowa teammate and close friend Caitlin Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever. The Fever currently have one developmental spot open, increasing the likelihood of her joining their roster. Martin’s future remains uncertain, but her availability on the waiver wire gives her multiple opportunities to secure a spot on another team’s roster.