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**Atlanta Dream Waive Former Top Draft Pick Haley Jones Ahead of Season Tip-Off**

**ATLANTA, GA** – The Atlanta Dream have waived guard Haley Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, just days before the start of the 2024 season. The move signals a potential shift in the Dream’s strategy as they aim to improve upon their 2023 playoff appearance.

Jones, who averaged 3.8 points, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game over two seasons with Atlanta, will now be placed on waivers. Other WNBA teams will have the opportunity to claim her, and if she goes unclaimed, she will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Dream’s decision comes after a 15-25 season where they made the playoffs as the No. 8 seed before being eliminated by the eventual champion New York Liberty. The team has also parted ways with guards Shyanne Sellers, Ashley Joens, and Emani Jefferson, along with forward/center Maria Gakdeng, this month, possibly clearing space for new acquisitions and a renewed focus on contention with the additions of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner.

For Jones, the hope is to find a new team where she can contribute and develop her game. One potential landing spot could be the expansion Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries, based closer to Jones’s hometown of Santa Cruz, California, and alma mater Stanford University, are in the process of building their roster and could benefit from Jones’s basketball IQ and potential. The team may provide her with the opportunity to grow, in a limited role.

The WNBA season tips off this week, with teams finalizing their rosters and setting their sights on the championship.

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