Despite being crowned the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, Janelle Salaün was surplus to requirements during the Golden State Valkyries' historic championship victory. It couldn't be clearer: Natalie Nakase doesn't trust her forward when the minutes count the most. Salaün's biggest issue is that Nakase's brutal approach has reaped the greatest reward. The 25-year-old must take a selfish approach and consider if Golden State truly values her exceptional abilities.
At the start of the 2025 season, Natalie Nakase and Golden State gambled on Janelle Salaün, granting her the chance to play in the WNBA. Both parties have benefited greatly from the decision. Salaün played an integral role in the Valkyries' regular-season success in 2026, averaging 12.7 points and shooting 39.2 percent from deep. Salaün skyrocketed her reputation while her team locked in their postseason berth.
However, in the playoffs, Nakase suffered no fools. The second-year head coach had one aim: to clinch a historic championship. If one of her trusted players didn't perform, she wasn't afraid to decrease their role in the rotation. Unfortunately, Salaün fell victim to this brutal approach after a largely ineffective first-round series against the Dallas Wings.
Janelle Salaün didn't play a single minute in Golden State's 64-55 Game 7 victory over the Atlanta Dream. This was the second consecutive game the forward didn't feature. Natalie Nakase only played Salaün for 24 minutes in the entire WNBA Finals series. It's hard to argue with an approach that brought such historic success. Nevertheless, a player wearing the title of the Sixth Player of the Year shouldn't be discarded from the rotation that quickly unless there is a bigger problem at play.
Salaün shouldn't settle for a bit-part role
After clinching their first championship, the Valkyries shouldn't rest on their laurels. This roster must become bigger, faster, and stronger. Golden State must add another superstar to its roster to alleviate the immense responsibility Gabby Williams has shouldered in 2026. To do this, the front office will scour the free-agent market and could be forced to trade assets no longer deemed essential. If Salaün isn't happy with her role, she should volunteer as tribute.
While Hunger Games terminology is a bit extreme in this instance, Salaün will have plenty of suitors prepared to offer her a primary rotational role after another breakout season. The versatile forward has plenty of tricks in her locker that would make her the perfect player to build a competitive roster around.
Salaün's offensive contribution isn't up for debate. She has the perfect skill set for a modern-day player. Over two years in the WNBA, Salaün has averaged 38.1 percent from deep, establishing herself as one of the league's deadliest shooters. However, she is more than a one-trick pony. Janelle
Salaün's physical style of play allows her to clean up on the boards and add defensive pressure when her teammates require it.
Striking a deal with Golden State would be difficult
The main issue with a move for Salaün isn't whether teams will acquire her; it is how they would manufacture a trade. The Valkyries forward still has one year and $520,000 left on her contract. Given her current standing as the WNBA's most productive secondary star, Salaün won't come cheap. Golden State will only accept a deal that improves their roster, and as reigning champions, it will take a magnificent player to make this a reality.
Organisations will likely bide their time until her current contract expires. If this is the approach front offices take, the league's newest expansion franchise could benefit massively. In 2028, the Cleveland Sirens will be looking to follow in Golden State's footsteps. Making Salaün the team's marquee signing would be a huge statement of intent. It would also offer the player an exciting new venture to sink her teeth into.
For now, Janelle Salaün should revel in the fact that she is a WNBA champion. She's a part of history, and the Golden State Valkyries couldn't have done it without her. However, Salaün should take Natalie Nakase's decision to snub her at face value. The head coach doesn't believe she can make a difference when it matters most. Salaün deserves to feel appreciated; a new chapter could be what she needs.
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