15-05-2025
WNBA Team's Four-Word Message on Cutting Former Top-10 Pick Days Before First Game
There are a lot of talented players looking for new homes with the final WNBA roster cuts being made in recent days. With the WNBA season tipping off on Friday, teams are finalizing their roster, but there have been a few surprises.
The Atlanta Dream moved on from the team's former starter and top-10 pick. Another notable move came from the Golden State Valkyries as Laeticia Amihere was released after scoring 20 points in her last preseason outing.
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Atlanta looks a lot different in 2025 after the additions of Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. Unfortunately, these additions led to some surprising roster moves with limited spots remaining on the Dream.
Haley Jones poses for a photo before the WNBA Draft 2023 at Spring Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Dream announced the team released Haley Jones on Wednesday, just two days before the franchise tips off the regular season against the Washington Mystics. Atlanta posted a tribute video to Jones after announcing the unfortunate news.
"Thank you for everything @haleyjoness13," the Dream's official X account posted on Wednesday.
The move comes two years after Atlanta used the No. 6 overall pick to select Jones in the 2023 WNBA draft. Jones entered The W with an impressive resume from her time with the Stanford Cardinal.
The standout guard was part of the team's NCAA championship run during the 2020-21 season. Jones was a 3-time All-Pac-12 member, 2-time AP All-American and 2-time NCAA All-Tourney team player.
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The former Dream guard played in 40 games for Atlanta in 2024, including 24 starts. Jones averaged 3.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season.
It would be a surprise if Jones does not find a new WNBA team quickly.
Related: WNBA Sends Clear Message on Brittney Griner Ahead of Season
