Guiding the Golden State Valkyries to the WNBA playoffs in their inaugural season earned Natalie Nakase the 2025 Coach of the Year. In free agency, ESPN's Kendra Andrews reported Golden State struck out with Kelsey Plum, Brionna Jones and Courtney Vandersloot. Golden State had to navigate the second half without its leader in points (14.0) and rebounds (7.0). That's exactly the identity Golden State established as it was also fourth in rebounding rate (51.1 percent). Having been a role player with the Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun, Veronica Burton averaged 11.9 points after becoming a starter in Golden State.