Imagine entering college as the No. 1 recruit, one of the most decorated players in the nation, leading your team to a national title, getting drafted as the sixth overall pick… only to find yourself released, entering the third year of your pro career. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening to Haley Jones right now. As hyped as we all are for the start of the WNBA season, there’s no sugarcoating that cuts are brutal. No one’s untouchable. Doesn’t matter if you’re a shiny new rookie, a preseason standout, or even a former top pick. When teams make their final trims, it gets real quick.

The latest name to fall victim to those cuts is Jones. The Atlanta Dream officially moved on from the 6th overall pick in the 2023 draft just before the season opener. The team dropped a tribute video thanking Jones for everything she brought to the squad. “Thank you for everything @haleyjoness13,” they posted on X.

Let’s not forget who Haley is. A key piece in Stanford’s NCAA title run back in 2021, a 3-time All-Pac-12, 2-time All-American, and just an all-around baller. She didn’t come into the league quietly. While her pro journey hasn’t gone quite the way many hoped, she still logged 40 games and started 24 of them last season for the Dream, averaging 3.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.

But it’s understandable. Atlanta in 2025 looks nothing like it did a year ago. With Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones now in the mix, the Dream’s depth chart is stacked. Jones joins guards Shyanne Sellers, Ashley Joens, and Emani Jefferson, as well as forward/center Maria Gakdeng, as recent departures.

Last season, the Dream finished with a 15-25 record and snuck into the playoffs but lost to reigning champs New York Liberty. So tough roster decisions were inevitable. But there could be one massive issue that probably led to this decision.

Unfortunately, Jones has been battling the same issue since college, her shooting range. At Stanford, she shot just 21.3% from deep, and that struggle stuck with her in the pros. In her two seasons with the Dream, her field goal percentage sat at 36.5%, with only 21.4% from beyond the arc.

And if we’re being honest, in a league where spacing and shooting are everything, those numbers made it tough for her to carve out a role, especially in a backcourt that’s already packed. Add to that the fact that new head coach Karl Smesko relies on the three-point shot. In 2024, Jones averaged less than one attempt per game. And signs were there in the preseason itself. Across two games, Jones logged just 18 minutes, averaging 3.5 points, 0.5 boards, and 0.5 assists.

So the Dream had to make a call. But that doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking, especially considering she just bought a house in Atlanta. 

Fans gutted after Haley Jones bought her first house only to get waived days later

Remember during her rookie season with the Dream, Haley Jones gave fans a tour of her apartment? Well, fast forward to just yesterday, she shared the happy news of closing on her first home. It took her two years to find the right realtor and finally make that big purchase. With SOFI Mortgages backing her first big step into homeownership, things were looking up. But within hours, Atlanta announced she was being waived. One fan posted, “She posted about closing on her house yesterday sheesh.” It’s heartbreaking to think she might have to pack up again and move once another team (hopefully) picks her up.

And fans aren’t just sad, they’re frustrated. “I sure hate it. I was looking forward to seeing her with the team this year,” one said, clearly echoing what a lot of people felt. The growth was visible. Even though she didn’t put up massive numbers in her second season, Haley had earned her spot on the 2023 Associated Press All-Rookie Team. She stayed positive even during the Dream’s rough 11-of-12-game losing stretch last season, always learning, always adapting. Surrounded by veterans like Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Tina Charles, she was building into her role. Maybe her stats didn’t show a giant leap from year one to two, but the improvement was there and this year was supposed to be a more improved one. But now, that’s been cut short too soon.

Another fan just dropped a simple “💔💔💔💔💔”  Fans are straight up heartbroken. “i’m siiiiiiiiiick to my stomach,” added another. Now Jones is headed to waivers. If no team picks her up, she’ll become an unrestricted free agent. But Golden State Valkyries could be the perfect landing spot for her. A new team still figuring out its identity, a No. 6 overall pick like Haley who brings a high basketball IQ, and let’s not forget, she’s a California girl through and through. Born in Santa Cruz, a Stanford grad, Golden State would be close to home. We’ll have to see if it happens for real.

For now, Haley isn’t the only one fans are hurting for. “Whew damn…… they breaking hearts all over the W,” someone wrote. Even over at Golden State, fans were left shocked when Laeticia Amihere didn’t make the final roster. After dropping 20 points in a preseason game against the Sparks and nearly leading a comeback, she still got waived. 

These moves really show just how brutal the fight for a WNBA roster spot can be. With only 13 teams and around 156 total spots, there just isn’t enough room, even for talented players who’ve got the fan backing and impressive preseason performances to show for it. Here’s hoping these hoopers land somewhere they can truly shine!