Dominique Malonga is one of the youngest prospects in this year’s WNBA Draft. At only 19 years old, she is projected to be the second overall pick in the draft.
At first, she was projected to be the third pick, but after Olivia Miles decided to forego the draft and stay in college for another year, Malonga is now the beneficiary. But where could we possibly see Malonga get drafted to? Here are some potential landing spots for Malonga.
3 Potential Landing Spots for Dominique Malonga
Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm owns the No. 2 pick in this draft, and Malonga is projected to land at least at the No. 2 spot. The Storm are in a good space with forwards and centers on their roster. Currently, they have promising talent at the 4 and the 5, and players such as Ezi Magbegor have had a huge impact on the court for the Storm. Last season, she averaged 11.7 points with 8.0 rebounds.
The Storm had a focus on getting a deeper post presence during the free agency period. By re-signing Gabby Williams, acquiring Li Yueru, and the expected return of injury-delayed rookie Mackenzie Holmes, the Storm have a new-look forward presence this offseason. If they also decide to draft Malonga with the No. 2 pick, the Storm’s post presence could be a huge threat for other teams in the league this season.
In Hunter Simpson’s recent 2025 WNBA Mock Draft for PFSN, this was where Malonga landed.
“The Storm likely would have selected Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, but she announced that she would be entering the transfer portal rather than the draft. Even so, Malonga has potential to be one of the best bigs in the league, and for that reason, it’d really difficult to pass up on her,” Simpson said.
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics are in a totally different spot than the Storm. Last season, the Mystics finished dead last in the league in total rebounds, and they are at the beginning of what looks to be a long rebuild after a 14-26 season.
The Mystics do have a couple of players who provide a presence in the paint, though. Last season, first-round pick Aaliyah Edwards had a major impact on the Mystics as a rookie. Stefanie Dolson also played a big role. Even though they have players who can play the center role well, it never hurts to have more, especially with a promising talent available.
If Malonga were to be drafted here, she would have an immediate impact. As a player who has already been on the big stage by being a member of the French national team at the Olympics — bringing home a silver medal — she has the experience of being in front of the bright lights. She is sure to have a huge impact and could be the first step in their massive roster rebuild.
The Mystics have the third and fourth picks in the WNBA Draft, and they could select Malonga if she slips by the Storm, or Washington could trade up.
Golden State Valkyries
If Malonga falls to the No. 5 pick — slipping by the Storm and the Mystics, who may prioritize other needs — the Golden State Valkyries could possibly be where Malonga makes the biggest impact.
In the Valkyries’ current position since the expansion draft back in December, if Malonga were to be drafted here, she could immediately become a star player for the Valkyries. Golden State is missing a paint presence, and Malonga could bring that to this new team if utilized correctly. Whichever team picks up Malonga, they are sure to have a player that can make an immediate impact for the team.