"Basketball is a business": Kate Martin doesn't mince words on harsh reality of WNBA as Valkyries cut players without warning

The Golden State Valkyries made numerous roster decisions in the last week as three players were cut from the team, including Julie Vanloo, who was coming off a stint with the Belgian national team. Vanloo flew 18 hours back to San Francisco only to get waived about an hour after she arrived.

The Valkyries received plenty of backlash after Vanloo’s release, but Golden State guard Kate Martin said she trusts the front office in making such decisions.

“We know basketball is a business, and I trust our front office, and I trust our coaching staff," she said. “Every single person who came in did exactly what they were supposed to do. Everyone who was gone for EuroBasket we missed dearly. I've grown great friendships with those players. The girls that got cut or waived, we’re going to miss dearly.”

Martin has been one of Golden State’s key players this season, averaging 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds off the bench.

Meanwhile, Vanloo played nine games with the Valkyries, averaging 6.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 4.3 apg, before flying to Greece to be with her national squad.

Vanloo shared her frustration on Instagram after learning of her release from the team.

"I understand it’s business, but nothing prepares you for the loneliness that comes with getting cut. It feels like the whole world suddenly crashes on your shoulders."

The team also cut Chloe Bibby and Bree Hall to make way for Janelle Salaun and Cecilia Zandalasini, both of whom came from national team duties.

The Valkyries, this year’s expansion team, have been on a tear to start their first season in the WNBA, occupying the sixth spot with a 9-7 record. They have won seven of their last nine games.

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Valkyries head coach addresses roster cuts

Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase expressed remorse for the team’s decisions, but she reasserted that it was all for the good of the squad.

“It was heartbreaking. It was painful…I’m not a mom, but it was like I gave away three kids. Julie meant a lot. Chloe meant a lot, even Bree. I wish I could keep them all. Just to be honest, we only have 12 roster spots,” Nakase said.

“They all surpassed our expectations, and we’re just trying to make the most competitive team possible,” she added.

Golden State could make more roster moves in the coming weeks, including trades, as the midseason cutdown will end on July 13, before the trade deadline on August 7.