WNBA stars who needed a fresh start
Photo Courtesy of John Mac- Wikimedia Commons
Gabby Williams has proved to be a vital piece of the Golden State Valkyries’ playoff run averaging more points in less minutes than she did with the Seattle Storm.
Across the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), there are many players who underperformed until they were traded to a team that unlocked their true potential. Recently, there has been an increase in expansion teams and roster caps, which have led to more players finding their home. In no particular order, here are some players that went from underrated to something more:
1. Gabby Williams
Gabby Williams has been a breakout WNBA star for the Golden State Valkyries since the team’s addition last season. Graduating from the basketball powerhouse, University of Connecticut (UConn), Williams was selected to the Chicago Sky fourth in the 2018 draft. Williams was never given a true chance with the team due to her commitment to the French National Team and was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, who later traded her to the Seattle Storm. During free agency, the Valkyries acquired Williams and she has since proven herself as a team leader and an essential piece of the Valkyries current run for the title. Williams was averaging 11.6 points per game with the Storm and is now averaging 14.4 points per game in less minutes with Golden State.
2. Angel Reese
If you keep up with the WNBA, the infamous Angel Reese and Chicago Sky drama is not news to you. Reese frequently expressed frustration with the Sky and its management after frequent losses and lack of improvement. She was later traded to the Atlanta Dream and is now in the midst of fighting for the playoff title. While with the Sky, she scored 462 points in 2024 and 440 points in 2025; with the Dream this season, she scored 705 points. Additionally, Angel Reese was awarded Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) for her regular season performance with the Dream and broke multiple records for rebounds.
3. Jonquel Jones
While Jones was never labeled as a “bad player,” her impact was underappreciated by many. In 2021, she won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award with the Connecticut Sun, but Jones decided to ask for a trade ahead of her contract expiration. After being traded to the New York Liberty, Jones ensured her impact would be remembered. In 2023, Jones was named the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup MVP and in 2024, the WNBA Finals MVP and WNBA Champion with the Liberty. It is clear to fans how much playing with the Liberty has elevated Jones’ development and overall joy on the court.
4. Veronica Burton
It is impossible to leave Burton off this list—especially with her currently competing in the WNBA finals with the Golden State Valkyries. Burton has improved her offense incredibly. In previous seasons, she scored 2.6, 2.4, and 3.1 points per game; with her first two seasons at Golden State, she scored 11.9 and 12.2 points per game. She also had a career high average of 6.0 assists in 2025 compared to a previous 2.2 assists with the Dallas Wings in 2023. Burton has been essential in Golden State’s success and she has proven that she belongs in a starting position.
5. Bridget Carleton
Carleton was selected to the Portland Fire in the 2026 expansion draft and has been highly successful since then. Previously, Carleton never averaged more than 9.6 points per game and she has been in the league since 2019. This season, she averaged 14.6 points per game and helped lead the team to ninth in the league—one position behind a playoff spot. Additionally, she was featured in the three-point shooting competition during All-Star Weekend and came in second to Azzi Fudd.