The new York Liberty anticipated the loss of kayla Thornton in the WNBA expansion draft.As reported by The Athletic hours before the draft aired on ESPN, Thornton was expected to be selected by the Golden State Valkyries. This outcome doesn’t cause alarm for the Liberty, who strategically built their roster with this possibility in mind.
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When constructing their 2024 roster, the New York Liberty kept the looming expansion draft at the end of the year in mind. After their 2023 WNBA Finals loss to the Las Vegas Aces, the Liberty focused on building a bench with versatile wings capable of defending multiple positions, driving to the basket, and shooting effectively. they signed Kennedy Burke and rookie Leonie Fiebich to join Thornton and veteran Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
However, the Liberty made an unexpected move in mid-March, trading two second-round draft picks to the Chicago Sky for the rights to rebekah Gardner. Gardner, a defensive-minded slasher and a 2020 WNBA All-Rookie Team selection, had recently suffered an Achilles injury while playing overseas in Spain.
“Since 2023, the Liberty’s beliefs has been to have multiple players who can play the same role,” explained Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb. “That not only prepares the team to handle inescapable and unexpected injuries, but it also comes in handy in moments like this.”
So, when the Golden State Valkyries made their expansion draft selections, the Liberty were well-positioned. They didn’t need to scramble to replace a player they couldn’t protect.
“We’re excited for Kayla and her opportunity with the Valkyries,” Kolb said. “We wish her all the best.”
Gard
The New York Liberty are facing a void in their roster following the departure of Kayla Thornton in the WNBA expansion draft. While the team has options to fill Thornton’s on-court role, her absence will be deeply felt within the locker room.
Thornton, known for her clutch three-pointers, tenacious defense, and unwavering hustle, was a key contributor to the Liberty’s championship run last season. Her departure leaves a gap that will be challenging to fill, both in terms of her basketball skills and her invaluable presence as a teammate.
The Liberty are exploring several options to replace thornton. One possibility is the return of veteran forward Rebecca Gardner, who is recovering from surgery. “Rebecca is progressing well, and there is cautious optimism around the liberty’s front office,” a source familiar with the situation told The Next.However, Gardner’s return is not guaranteed, and she still needs time to regain her full playing form.
Another option is to re-sign unrestricted free agent Kennedy Burke. Burke, who can play both small forward and power forward, was a valuable asset to the Liberty last season. Head coach Sandy Brondello often preferred burke at power forward, either backing up Breanna Stewart or playing alongside her.
Thornton’s Departure Cuts Deeper in the Locker Room
While the Liberty have options to replace Thornton’s on-court contributions, her absence will be deeply felt within the team’s dynamic. Fans and teammates have been sharing memories and expressing their appreciation for Thornton’s impact during her two seasons with the Liberty,including her role in their historic championship victory.
“kayla was a great teammate and friend,” said Breanna Stewart. “She always brought positive energy to the locker room and was always there to support her teammates. We’re going to miss her a lot.”
Jonquel Jones echoed Stewart’s sentiments, stating, “Kayla was a true competitor and a joy to play with. She made everyone around her better. We’re going to miss her presence on and off the court.”
Kayla Thornton is a true champion.She was a key part of our championship run last season, and she will be missed. https://t.co/z76q2j7Q8I
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) September 29, 2024
So sad to see Kayla Thornton go. She was such a great teammate and friend.We’re going to miss her a lot. https://t.co/z76q2j7Q8I
— Jonquel Jones (@jonqueljones) September 29, 2024
Burke shared her favorite moments with Thornton on her Instagram story, while Nyara Sabally posted a picture collage of Thornton alongside a meme of fashion icon Anna Wintour. Thornton’s off-court impact often included giving her teammates confidence and being a source of positivity and support.
As the Liberty move forward,they will undoubtedly miss Thornton’s presence both on and off the court. Her contributions to the team’s success and her positive influence on her teammates will be remembered fondly.
The New York Liberty’s championship run was fueled by a potent mix of talent and camaraderie, and at the heart of it all was veteran guard Samiya Thornton. While her on-court contributions were undeniable, Thornton’s true impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. She was the team’s emotional anchor, the voice that rallied her teammates and kept spirits high even in the face of adversity.
Thornton’s infectious energy and unwavering positivity were a constant presence in the Liberty locker room. “She was the one who always had something funny to say, even when things weren’t going our way,” recalled a teammate.”She led all the pregame bench huddles and was the voice of reason and comic relief during some of the most vulnerable team discussions. She broke awkward silences and had antics that made the entire team laugh.”
Known for her daredevil spirit, Thornton wasn’t afraid to embrace her quirks. She passed out on roller coasters and proudly declared her love for fast food pizza chain Papa Johns.She even helped teammate Sabrina Ionescu brainstorm the “We All We Got, We All We Need” chant that became a rallying cry for the Liberty throughout their championship journey. Thornton embodied the quintessential team player, the glue that held everything together.
It was these intangible qualities, along with her on-court prowess, that caught the eye of the Golden State Valkyries front office. The Valkyries’ general manager, Ohemaa Nyanin, spent the 2023 season as the Liberty’s assistant general manager, giving her an intimate understanding of Thornton’s value both on and off the court.
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While Nyanin is thrilled to reunite with Thornton, she acknowledges the emotional weight of the decision for her former colleagues and friends in new York. “For me personally, it was the hardest pick because I just came from there,” nyanin admitted to reporters after the selections were announced. “And I know the athletes, and I know the connections.”
“When [valkyries head] coach Natalie [Nakase] explained to me the type of athlete that she’s looking for both on and off the court, [Thornton] is who came to mind. She is a defensive specialist. She has grown her game to be able to shoot the three. She’s a ball of energy. She’s a vet. She knows how to bring people together.”
Kayla Thornton’s departure from the New York Liberty marks the end of an era for the franchise. Thornton, a key contributor to the Liberty’s championship run, will be remembered for her clutch performances and unwavering team spirit.
Thornton’s final game in a Liberty jersey was a performance for the ages. “We want to find players that, when the lights are the brightest and the stakes are at the highest, they’re gonna shine and be ready for it,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said about the Liberty’s bench when the team was honored at City hall in late October. “And I think in Game 5 … you saw Kayla Thornton come in this game and do what she did, which we certainly know she can do.”
thornton’s impact extended beyond her on-court contributions. She fostered a positive and supportive environment, allowing her teammates to thrive. “She played 20 pivotal minutes when her team struggled to score and helped will the Liberty to a championship,” a testament to her unwavering dedication and leadership.
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“It is incredibly difficult to say goodbye to a player like [Thornton] who contributed to the New York Liberty in so many ways over these past two years, including
The New York Liberty are grappling with the bittersweet reality of their first WNBA championship win. While the team celebrates their historic victory, they’re also saying goodbye to a key player who helped them achieve it.
Kiah Stokes, a pivotal center for the Liberty during their championship run, was selected by the Minnesota lynx in the recent WNBA expansion draft. The draft, the first in 16 years, saw the Lynx and the new San Antonio franchise build their rosters by selecting players from existing teams.
“This is a tough one,” said Liberty General manager Jonathan Kolb. “Kiah was instrumental in helping us achieve our franchise’s first-ever championship. KT quickly became an indelible part of the Liberty family during her two seasons here.”
As the Liberty players, coaches, and front office staff process the emotional fallout of the expansion draft, Stokes will return to New York on May 27th to receive her championship ring. However,this time she’ll be wearing the colors of her new team,the Minnesota Lynx.
