The Golden State Valkyries re-signed All-Star Kayla Thornton to a one-year contract on Monday, bringing back their first-ever All-Star after a knee injury cut short her debut season. Richard Cohen of Her Hoop Stats reported that the deal is protected and worth $750,000.
Thornton gave the expansion franchise immediate credibility last season, averaging career highs of 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while scoring in double figures in 18 of the 22 games she played. She was one of four unrestricted free agents on Golden State’s offseason list, alongside Monique Billings, Temi Fágbénlé and Tiffany Hayes, and the Valkyries have not announced a timetable for her return this season.
Golden State’s decision to keep Thornton comes as the team reshapes the roster around her. Monique Billings has signed with the Indiana Fever, while Tiffany Hayes and Temi Fágbénlé were still unsigned as of Monday morning. Thornton also arrives with recent championship experience after helping the New York Liberty win the title in 2024.
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin said Thornton had an extraordinary season for the franchise and for herself, noting that she became the team’s first-ever All-Star and emerged as a leader for a new roster from day one. Nyanin added that Thornton brings relentless work ethic and an unshakeable belief in the team.
The Valkyries also signed 10-year veteran Kiah Stokes to a multi-year deal. Cohen reported that Stokes’ contract is a protected two-year pact worth $761,250. Stokes spent the last five seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, helping them win three championships, and also won two championships with Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase while Nakase was one of the Aces’ assistants.
Nyanin called Stokes a strong defender and said she understands what Golden State is building and what it takes to win. Stokes has career averages of 3.3 points and 5.4 rebounds and has shot 48.5% from the field.
Golden State also signed former Arizona star Cate Reese to a training camp contract, the fifth such deal the team has announced. Reese spent five seasons at Arizona and earned four all-Pac-12 honors before most recently playing for Poland’s MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec, where she averaged 15.4 points and 10.6 rebounds across nine EuroCup games.
The additions give the golden state valkyries more depth and more continuity as they try to piece together a roster around Thornton, whose return date remains unclear after the knee injury that ended her season shortly after the All-Star break.
