The championship celebration for the Golden State Valkyries has been overshadowed by a major roster departure as guard and forward Juste Jocyte has communicated her desire to leave the franchise. According to comments reported by Larry Brown Sports in an article published on November 10, 2026, the 20-year-old Lithuanian player stated during a media interview in her home country that she intends not to return for the next WNBA season.
Jocyte was selected No. 5 overall by Golden State in the 2025 WNBA Draft but delayed her arrival due to national team commitments before appearing in 18 regular-season games in 2026. Her frustration stems from limited playing time, averaging 8.1 minutes per game during the regular season and logging just five total minutes across two playoff appearances.
Limited Role Overshadows Title Run
While the Valkyries captured the 2026 WNBA championship in just their second season of existence by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7, Jocyte felt disconnected from the team’s historic accomplishment. Speaking to local media, she described an ambiguous feeling regarding the title win, noting her minimal contribution to the court success and characterizing the reasons given for her benching as unsatisfactory.
“It’s fun for the team, but on the other hand, I didn’t contribute much,” Jocyte said in remarks translated by Larry Brown Sports. “It’s both very fun and partly sad because you don’t feel the same way. You don’t care as much. And I don’t even know my position, whether I would like to go back next year.”
Strained Relations and Future Steps
Beyond her on-court frustration, Jocyte indicated that she maintains a strained relationship with Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase. The young forward confirmed that she has already communicated her desire to general manager Ohemaa Nyanin to seek a transfer or new team for the upcoming season, aiming to secure a larger role elsewhere.
Jocyte’s situation contrasts sharply with the trajectory of her 2025 draft class peers. The top four picks preceding her—Paige Bueckers, Dominique Malonga, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen—have all developed into WNBA All-Stars. Meanwhile, the Valkyries built their title-winning roster through strategic additions like Finals MVP Gabby Williams, veteran Kiah Stokes, and free agent acquisitions under Nakase and Nyanin, leaving Jocyte searching for an opportunity to jump-start her career outside of San Francisco.