Even in their inaugural season, the Golden State Valkyries have their eyes set on a trip to the playoffs. After an impressive start to the season, that dream seemed to become more and more likely. However, the Valkyries have struggled in July and were dealt a devastating blow when Kayla Thornton suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Theoretically, the Valkyries are well prepared to make up for Thornton’s absence. They have been winning games by committee and playing without key pieces all season long. However, an embarrassing 95-64 loss to the league-worst Connecticut Sun called into question whether the Valkyries can really make the playoffs without Thornton.
If the Valkyries are serious about making the playoffs this year, the front office could choose to make a move before the trade deadline on August 7 and add a veteran scorer to the roster. Marisa Ingemi of the San Francisco Chronicle named Arike Ogunbowale as a potential trade target in an article that went up on July 20.
“Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale, who is averaging 15.7 points on 34.6% from the field and 30.5% 3-point shooting, could be someone the Wings are willing to part with. The Valkyries could fit her $249,032 cap hit for the rest of the season,” Ingemi wrote.
Ingemi also noted, “Adding a veteran scorer who is accustomed to taking the ball in late-game situations could alter the dynamic, if the Valkyries believe it is worth parting with draft picks to make a playoff run in their first season.”
Trading for Arike Ogunbowale would be a bold move
The Valkyries haven’t been afraid to make bold moves this season. They built a roster made up of international players and role players, waived Julie Vanloo to keep rookie Kaitlyn Chen, and let go of veteran Stephanie Talbot to add Iliana Rupert to the roster halfway through the season. Trading for Arike Ogunbowale would be an even bolder move.
Ogunbowale has been one of the most dangerous scorers in the league for several years now. This season has been a down year, as she is averaging “only” 16 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals. For most players, that is a great stat line. For Ogunbowale, it marks several career lows. It’s been a rough season for Dallas, and the organization could decide to move on from Ogunbowale and retool completely around Paige Bueckers.
While Ogunbowale may be having a down year, she is still averaging more points than any Valkyries player. Thornton averaged 14 points before her injury. Tiffany Hayes is next in line with 12.5, followed by Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaün, who both average around 10 points per game.
As a team, the Valkyries rank tenth in points per game and offensive rating. They could certainly use a go-to scorer like Ogunbowale, who is used to being the focal point of an offense. That need has always been there, but Thornton’s absence only amplifies it.
Trading for Ogunbowale could save the Valkyries’ playoff hopes. It would also send a very strong message and showcase the organization’s commitment to winning now instead of building for the long-term future. Ogunbowale will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, though. So, any team interested in trading for her—if the Wings are even open to moving her yet—would have to be okay with the possibility that she is only a rental until the end of the season.