Gabby Williams Is Coming Home to the Bay, and the Valkyries Just Got Scary

The Golden State Valkyries made a massive move on Sunday morning, signing defensive standout Gabby Williams to a multi-year contract. And yeah, this is the kind of signing that changes how you think about a franchise's ceiling.

Williams spent the last four seasons with the Seattle Storm, and she's bringing elite two-way production to the Bay. Last season was her best yet: first All-Star game appearance, all-defensive first-team honors, 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on 42.1% from the field and 30.5% from three. She led the entire league in steals and finished third in defensive player of the year voting. One of the league's best perimeter defenders, period.

The Dream Backcourt Is Real

Williams pairs with point guard Veronica Burton, who the Valkyries re-signed to a multi-year deal on Saturday. Together, they're about to form arguably the best defensive backcourt in the league. That's not hyperbole. That's what happens when you stack two elite, versatile defenders in the same backcourt.

What makes this move even better for Golden State: Williams has deep Bay Area roots. "She is coming home," Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin said. "The community is going to love her, and I think she is going to love it here." Her brother, Matthew Williams, just wrapped his senior season as a basketball player at Cal State East Bay.

Activating Jocytė and Locking Down the Core

The Valkyries didn't stop there. Golden State also activated the rookie contract of Justė Jocytė, the No. 5 pick from last year's draft. The 20-year-old Lithuanian guard has been developing in Spain with Spar Girona, and now she's ready to suit up. In 2023, Jocytė won a EuroBasket title alongside Williams at ASVEL Feminin Lyon in France.

The front office also locked down major contributors from their 2025 playoff run. Center Iliana Rupert and forward Janelle Salaün signed multi-year deals, while forward Cecilia Zandalasini inked a one-year agreement. Salaün came from France and earned All-Rookie first-team honors with 11.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Rupert shot 44.3% from three and averaged a career-high 9.3 points. Zandalasini stepped up when injuries hit, scoring 10.5 per game.

Kaila Charles, who joined midway through last season after playing in Italy, returns on a multi-year deal. Golden State also handed out training camp deals to guards Kaitlyn Chen and Miela Sowah, forward Laeticia Amihere, and center Mariella Fasoula.

The Valkyries are in just their second year, but they're building something serious.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.