It did not take long for Kate Martin to find a new team. The former Hawkeye was waived by the Golden State Valkyries despite playing a key part in their playoff run.  Unfortunately, Martin was not a part of Natalie Nakase’s plans. “It was obviously very hard because we’re trying to construct the best team,” Nakase said. Now, Martin has finally found a new home but it has not been an easy few days for the guard. 

Kate Martin has signed with Los Angeles Sparks on a developmental contract. It means she won’t be a part of the regular rotation but can play 12 games. In case of an injury, the team signs her to the squad as well. While it’s a step down from her place at the Valkyries, it’s an opportunity for Martin to prove herself and stay in the league. While she admitted difficulty in leaving her former team, Martin is ready to go for the Sparks. 

“It was brutal,” Martin said, speaking to reporters ahead of the Sparks’ season opener against the Las Vegas Aces. She took a moment before continuing to speak, fighting back tears.

After taking a beat, she continued: “It was a business decision. That’s what professional sports is. It’s a business. … It wasn’t an easy process, and now I feel like I can relate to a lot more people on a level I never wanted to be able to relate on. But it’s going to help me as a leader and a person going forward.”

Kate Martin had never been cut before. Even as a rookie, she played 34 games off the bench for the Las Vegas Aces under Becky Hammon. Martin has played 76 games (six starts) over two seasons, averaging 4.6 points on 31.9% shooting, 32.1% from 3-point range, and 81.1% from free-throw range, to go along with 2.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 14:12 minutes per contest.

Hammon was not surprised that her 2024 rookie received this opportunity as she gave gleaming praise to Kate Martin. 

“She’s great in the locker room, a great teammate, and a super hard worker. She’s somebody who came in with pro habits, and a lot of times that’s hard to do coming from college, but she came in and was a nice piece for us,” Hammon said. “Obviously, Golden State snatched Kate Martin from us in the expansion draft. I know that was tough for Nat because she cares a lot about Kate. I’m not surprised. The kid’s going to land on her feet wherever she goes. She’s that kind of winner.”

The most difficult league in the world is already difficult to crack, especially for players who come off the bench. There are players who struggle to break in for years after being released early in their careers. And it’s hard going from being in the rotation of two playoff teams to a development spot at a rebuilding team. While it has been a tough few days for Martin, she admitted that it will help her character in the long run. 

“I feel like I can relate to a lot more people on a level that maybe I never wanted to relate on. But it’s only going to help me as a leader and as a person going forward,” Martin further said. While currently Martin is a developmental player, she does not plan to stay there for long. Hammon’s belief in Martin mirrors what drew the Sparks to her almost immediately after she hit free agency.

Lynne Roberts Reveals Clear Intentions After Kate Martin Signs Developmental Contract

Kate Martin should fit at the Sparks. They are already thin with regard to their guard rotation and coach Lynne Roberts is a pretty good exponent of shooters. Last year they had more than 30% of their points from three-pointers. Currently their shooting guard depth is limited to Ariel Atkins, rookie Ta’Niya Latson and Erica Wheeler. 

“They wanted me here, and I had really good talks with Coach [Lynne] Roberts,” Martin said. “I felt confident in my decision because of the way they approached me and thought I would fit well into this system.”

However, it was not her on-court behavior that brought Martin to Roberts. It was her leadership at Unrivaled, where Roberts was impressed with her understanding of the game and leadership. But more importantly, her work ethic was the differentiator. 

“Her work ethic is unbelievable. It’s what makes her special, and she’s going to be around other people like KP is the same way,” Lynne Roberts said. However, with that hunger and hardwork, Martin does not plan to remain a developmental player with the Sparks and Roberts welcomed this passion. 

“She wants to make the roster, and she told me that. I said it would be weird if you didn’t, and I’m glad you said that. Let’s pour into developing and getting comfortable and see where we go,” Roberts said. 

The Sparks are even a better team on paper than they were last year when they competed for a playoff spot. The graph is trending up and the addition of Martin can only elevate this team with her shooting and high IQ. . 

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