Tiffany Hayes’s path to becoming the Valkyries’ first big free agency signing was quite unusual. After ten years with the Atlanta Dream, Hayes announced her retirement in December 2023. It didn’t last long. She signed with the Las Vegas Aces in May 2024 and was named Sixth Player of the Year. After that, she signed with the Valkyries in free agency, becoming the only big-time veteran to sign with the new team.
Hayes struggled with injuries and played only 26 games, leaving fans to wonder if it would be her last season—for real, this time.
Her performances in her second Unrivaled season proved that she still has some gas left in the tank and could also play meaningful minutes in the W—barring any other injuries and a huge role that would require her to play too many minutes.
The only questions are if she wants to and which team she would want to play for. Hayes is an unrestricted free agent, which makes it unlikely that she will be selected in the expansion draft, even if the Valkyries leave her unprotected. She could re-sign with the Valkyries or, perhaps, take her experience and talent to a new expansion team in free agency. She could also provide a veteran presence for a franchise hoping to build a playoff team around a young core, like the Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, or Washington Mystics.
Tiffany Hayes is playing well for Phantom
Phantom has been short-handed all season long, missing Dana Evans. That hasn’t stopped the team from accumulating wins, though. The team currently has a 5-3 record and beat potential contenders like the Mist, the Vinyl, and the Breeze.
Tiffany Hayes has been a significant part of that success. She averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals over her first eight games, providing an active two-way presence. Hayes only missed the 10-point threshold three times and recorded at least two assists in all but two games. She was especially impactful in a statement win over the Breeze in Philadelphia, recording 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Phantom coach Roneeka Hodges has done a good job managing Hayes’s minutes. She is averaging fewer minutes than reserve guard Natasha Cloud and only played more than 15 minutes once. That has certainly helped limit the wear and tear on the veteran’s body.
If Hayes signs with another WNBA team, the coach will have to do the same. Otherwise, injuries could quickly limit Hayes once again.