The 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones has always been a class act on and off the court, but even she couldn’t hide the sting of losing her New York Liberty teammate, Kayla Thornton. The basketball gods (and the WNBA expansion draft) have spoken: Thornton will now don a Golden State Valkyries jersey, leaving Jones and Liberty fans feeling both proud and slightly betrayed.
In an emotional Instagram post on Monday, Jones shared heartfelt photos of her time with Thornton and penned a caption that perfectly blended love and a hint of bittersweet humor:
“I’m going to miss you so much sis, but you know the jersey doesn’t change the sisterhood! Continue to be you and shine in the Golden State ❤️🥹🫶🏾.”
Cue the collective “aww” from Liberty fans—and perhaps a subtle side-eye toward the Valkyries for “stealing” one of their own.
A Valkyrie Raid in New York
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s shiny new toy, didn’t just stop at Thornton. Oh no, they went full Viking mode, pillaging rosters across the league to assemble their inaugural team. Thornton was one of 11 players plucked from other franchises during the expansion draft, which felt less like a draft and more like a reality show plot twist.
Joining Thornton in the Valkyries’ lineup are Iliana Rupert (Atlanta Dream), Veronica Burton (Connecticut Sun), and Maria Conde (Chicago Sky), among others. General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin probably broke a lot of hearts when she called the players with the news, but hey, it’s business, not personal—unless you’re Jonquel Jones.
Numbers Don’t Lie… But They Don’t Hug Either
Thornton’s stats from last season might not scream superstar—5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and a respectable 35% from beyond the arc—but her intangibles and locker-room vibes clearly left a mark on the Liberty. Even in the playoffs, where her numbers dipped to 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds, Thornton’s grit and hustle never wavered.
But stats alone don’t capture the essence of a player like Thornton. She’s the glue that holds a team together, the unsung hero who dives for loose balls and brings the energy when the crowd’s gone quiet.
Jonquel’s Twitter Therapy Session
Jones didn’t just stop at Instagram to process her feelings. On Friday, she took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to post a gut-punch reaction to the draft news:
“Damn, they took the homie!”
In just five words, Jones summed up what every Liberty fan was thinking. Thornton’s departure feels like losing a family member who’s moving to a new city—not because they want to, but because fate (or an expansion draft) demands it.
Sisterhood Beyond Jerseys
Jones and Thornton weren’t just teammates; they were bonded by a shared journey. Both arrived in New York through a blockbuster three-team deal in 2023. Jones came from the Connecticut Sun, while Thornton made the leap from the Dallas Wings. Together, they helped elevate the Liberty to championship glory—a bond that, as Jones poignantly put it, transcends jerseys.
Thornton’s move to the Valkyries adds an intriguing subplot to the WNBA’s ever-growing drama. Fans can already circle the Liberty-Valkyries matchups on their calendars. Will it be awkward? Will it be fiery? One thing’s for sure: Jones and Thornton’s sisterhood will endure, even if they’re trading buckets instead of inside jokes now.
As for the Valkyries, they’re assembling a roster that might just rattle the league in its debut season. With players like Thornton bringing grit and determination to Golden State, don’t be surprised if they storm the standings like true Norse warriors.
But for now, Liberty fans will cherish the memories, and Jonquel Jones will hold down the fort in New York, proving once again why she’s not just a Finals MVP but a teammate everyone dreams of having—even if she’s not thrilled about the expansion draft’s latest plot twist.
