From Sfchronicle · · 1m 50s
Valkyries player Kaila Charles in WNBA Finals
Kaila Charles, once waived five times, now plays in WNBA Finals after rapid rise.
In brief
Kaila Charles, once waived five times, now plays in WNBA Finals after rapid rise. Kaila Charles, who was waived five times in her career, signed with Golden State Valkyries for the 2025 WNBA Finals after a series of short-term contracts. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
Kaila Charles' waiver history
Kaila Charles was waived five times in her career before signing with Golden State Valkyries for the 2025 WNBA Finals.
Charles' return to Washington
Charles returned to her parents' home in washington, d.c. after being waived by Dallas Wings.
Charles' grandmother's birthday
Charles planned to travel to trinidad for her grandmother's 94th birthday celebration in august 2025.
Golden State's roster strategy
Golden State built its title-contending roster with underappreciated players like Charles and Veronica Burton.
Veronica Burton's journey
Burton, a first-round draft pick, averaged fewer than three points per game before being waived by Dallas Wings in may 2024.
Kayla Thornton's career
Thornton spent time with four teams before landing with Golden State Valkyries after being waived by New York Liberty.
Cecilia Zandalasini's rise
Zandalasini started only six previous wnba games before starting 44 over the past two seasons with Valkyries.
Kaitlyn Chen's development
Chen was an under-the-radar third-round draft choice who blossomed into a key player as Veronica Burton's backup.
Valkyries' management approach
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin stitched together the roster while head coach Natalie Nakase molded players with a democratic, defense-first ethos.
Charles' contract progression
Charles signed a seven-day contract, then another, and eventually a two-year deal worth more than $1.2 million for 2025-2027.
Valkyries' championship run
The Valkyries are four wins from a championship after winning the 2025 WNBA playoffs.
Team's resilience
The team's members have all faced being cut but remain hungry to succeed in the WNBA.
What matters most
Kaila Charles, who was waived five times in her career, signed with Golden State Valkyries for the 2025 WNBA Finals after a series of short-term contracts.
