After a trip to the playoffs in the 2021 season, the Wings only had one first-round pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft. They selected Veronica Burton with the seventh overall pick. Burton made the team and acted as a reserve for two seasons. She produced little, never averaging more than 2.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
In May 2024, Burton was the last player to be waived as the Wings finalized their opening day roster. At the time, the decision didn’t seem incredibly significant. Two seasons later, it looks like a colossal mistake. Burton flourished into a key player and leader for a playoff team, won gold for Team USA at the 3x3 AmeriCup, and is now participating in a training camp for the five-on-five national team.
Veronica Burton has had quite a year
After the Wings waived Burton, she got a chance with the Connecticut Sun. She acted primarily as a defensive-minded backup, but showed flashes of two-way potential. The Valkyries unlocked that potential. Burton was left unprotected in the expansion draft and ended up in Golden State. That move ended up being the best possible thing for Burton’s career.
With extended minutes, her numbers skyrocketed. Burton emerged as the Valkyries’ most consistent player and a key leader. Averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.1 steals, she led the Valkyries to a historic playoff appearance. Burton was named the Most Improved Player for her efforts.
Then, Burton also made the 3x3 national team and won a gold medal at the AmeriCup alongside Allisha Gray, Shakira Austin, and Naz Hilmon.
Burton’s exciting offseason is far from over. She is currently participating in a Team USA training camp for the five-on-five team that features a ton of young stars, like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Cameron Brink.
Since the Wings let Burton go, she has proven that she can lead a team to the playoffs and win on the international stage. Soon enough, she could also be an Olympian, whether that is with the 3x3 team or the five-on-five squad.
The Wings certainly could have used a steady contributor like Burton on their struggling 2025 team. However, there is no guarantee that Burton would have taken the jump she did with the Valkyries if she had stayed with the Wings. Between Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings already have two stars at the guard spots. Burton would not have been a focal point of the offense like she was with the Valkyries.