Nearly sixteen years after the Atlanta Dream joined the league as the WNBA’s last expansion team, the league is once again welcoming a major addition. On December 6th, the Golden State Valkyries officially became part of the WNBA, marking a new era by selecting one player from each of the 12 existing teams during the expansion draft. However, teams were allowed to protect up to six players from being picked, leaving a limited pool of unprotected players. For the Las Vegas Aces, rookie Kate Martin didn’t make the protected list and fans have a few opinions.

According to analysts at The Athletic, the Valkyries used one of their expansion picks to acquire Kate Martin. Martin, the 2024 rookie out of Iowa, had gained recognition for her instrumental role in helping Caitlin Clark lead the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship appearances. Though it did not translate as much in the W, with her selection, Martin now embarks on a new journey with the Valkyries.

That settled, the 24-year-old is set to make a nine-hour move west, departing from the Las Vegas Aces to join the Golden State roster, a team ecstatic to welcome one of the league’s fan favorites and vice versa. “I’m really excited… This league is all about opportunity, and you just need one shot,” Martin shared in an ESPN interview during the expansion draft.

The star guard will be meeting the former Aces’ assistant coach, Natalie Nakase, for her new chapter. Suffice it to say she feels a little at home with the fact as she moves to familiarize the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. “Coach Nakase is someone you’re going to want to run through a brick wall for… I’m super grateful we got to build a relationship in Las Vegas, and we get to continue that in San Francisco,” Martin added.

But while the former Iowa star is excited, some of the fans may not be on par.

Fans take on Kate Martin draft

While Martin didn’t have an exceptional rookie season—averaging 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists—she found success off the court, with her jersey ranking as the fourth best-selling in the league, even surpassing A’ja Wilson’s. She was a clear fan favorite. Hence when the draft news came in, there was obvious disappointment but also some bizarre theories.

While one floated the idea of it being a good set up to lure in her best friend, Caitlin Clark, sometime in the future, a whole lot more speculated A’ja’s involvement.

One fan on X wrote, “A’ja Wilson wanted Kate Martin gone after she beat her in jersey sales,” fueling online speculation. Surprisingly, some comments even criticized Wilson. “Why not A’ja Wilson???” one fan asked.

Of course, Wilson was protected by the Aces, their scoring leader, a three-time MVP with six years of valuable experience. However, fans couldn’t help but point out that Martin’s benching coincided with the revelation of her jersey sales surpassing Wilson’s.

“It was at this moment she was gone,” quipped a user on X. Another added, “A’ja wanted Martin gone. The second it was revealed Martin’s jersey sales were higher than A’ja’s, suddenly Martin gets benched for the rest of the year. I hope Martin lights her…up for 50.” 

Well, A’ja loudly begs to differ.

A’ja Wilson herself is full of love for the 2024 rookie. “My baby, so happy for you! You’re a gem,” he wrote after the announcement. She also went on a rant few minutes later. “Yall wanted this expansion sooooooooooo bad NOW LOOK ….MY BABY ROOK GONE……” she added.

While fans’ comments add to the drama, Martin’s potential isn’t a secret. One of her best moments came when she delivered a 12-point contribution in a victory over her former Iowa Hawkeyes teammate Caitlin Clark. Sure it’s a disappointment to watch her leave the franchise but not every fan is pulling up reasons.

“I loved Kate in Las Vegas and hope she plays more for the Valkyries. I wish her nothing but the best,” wrote another supportive fan. Martin’s reduced role on the Aces was largely due to the team’s core players regaining health late in the season, limiting her opportunities on the court.

Martin now has a contract through 2026, with a team option for 2027, before becoming a restricted free agent. A fresh start awaits the star guard.