Dallas Wings may still miss out on Paige Bueckers after WNBA Draft twist

[RSHERMVIKES]

Just found this article on line!
With the Dallas Wings getting the #1 pick being such a big topic I bring this to the BYers!

MSN

 

[oldhusky]

Interesting that this is the first indication from Paige that Dallas was not her preferred choice. Of course we all speculated as much and believed she would be disappointed, but at the same time no indication she would not enter the draft either. I think it is wise to think the odds of her not entering the draft increased after the lottery, but not read too much more into it unless she clarifies further.

Clearly it is a question she will be asked probably more than she would like, but she also may have to see how this season plays out. Winning or not winning a championship could influence that decision, as could the expansion draft, potential trades, signings, naming of a coach etc. It will be interesting if she sheds any additional light on the subject, or decides to just table the issue until the season ends.

 

[Jonathan14]

I don't think this article brings any actual information from Paige. It cites Michael Voepel from ESPN: "According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, Bueckers had a 'preferred' WNBA landing spot entering the draft lottery. 'Sources around the league have indicated that the Los Angeles Sparks, who got the No. 2 pick in the lottery, would have been Bueckers’ preferred option,' he wrote."

Who knows who "sources around the league" are? Maybe they're Nika, Aaliyah, and Dorka, who might have some insight into what Paige thinks but are unlikely to talk to Voepel. Or maybe they're random people like Cameron Brink's personal trainer, a season ticket holder in Chicago, or the towel guy in Atlanta, who probably don't know anything more than we do.

 

[oldude]

I don't think this article brings any actual information from Paige. It cites Michael Voepel from ESPN: "According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, Bueckers had a 'preferred' WNBA landing spot entering the draft lottery. 'Sources around the league have indicated that the Los Angeles Sparks, who got the No. 2 pick in the lottery, would have been Bueckers’ preferred option,' he wrote."

Who knows who "sources around the league" are? Maybe they're Nika, Aaliyah, and Dorka, who might have some insight into what Paige thinks but are unlikely to talk to Voepel. Or maybe they're random people like Cameron Brink's personal trainer, a season ticket holder in Chicago, or the towel guy in Atlanta, who probably don't know anything more than we do.

Or maybe the source is Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Page’s California based agent?

 

[bayern7]

Or maybe the source is Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Page’s California based agent?

Yah never underestimate the methods of agents/publicists to plant information with the goal of reaching a desired outcome for their clients

 

[yhun89]

Or maybe the source is Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Page’s California based agent?

I definitely can’t see Paige saying anything outright like that. I assume it’s because of the hype of Cam/Rickea/Paige trio the media assumed Paige bought into it as well. She’s very well trained media wise. I can’t see her speaking poorly against a team like that.

 

[oldude]

I definitely can’t see Paige saying anything outright like that. I assume it’s because of the hype of Cam/Rickea/Paige trio the media assumed Paige bought into it as well. She’s very well trained media wise. I can’t see her speaking poorly against a team like that.

Paige doesn’t have to say a thing, and I doubt that she’ll think much about the W so long as she’s chasing a national championship with the Huskies. But she has Lindsay Kagawa Colas, a top sports agent, to look after her long term business interests.

Look at what Scott Boras is up to for Juan Soto as he seeks a $700 million contract for his client. Every day there are rumors flying in the media on Soto, about where he’s going and how much he’ll earn. Boras is orchestrating all the rumors while Soto has said nothing.

While Paige is not a free agent, Colas knows her job is to generate opportunities for her clients, as she did effectively with Stewie. LA is a better economic opportunity for Bueckers, and probably a better basketball opportunity as well. If Colas can plant some doubt with Wings GM Curt Miller, maybe he starts thinking about a trade.

Yes I know that nobody thinks he’ll trade the first overall pick. But if you’re not sure Paige will be available, how about swapping picks with LA, along with getting a rising star like Rickea Jackson?

Curt Miller is an experienced basketball executive. He’s going to listen to a lot of offers from other teams relative to the #1 pick. He may lose 2 solid veterans to free agency. He needs more than just Paige Bueckers to fix what’s wrong with the Wings. Miller can parlay his 1st overall pick into 2 or 3 frontline players if he chooses.

 

[hoophuskee]

Not a chance Dallas won't have her.

 

[Next 12]

What would make me happy is for Paige to take her Covid year and stay at UCONN and get a second N.C. then go to the WNBA. She already has NIL income, so she will not lose out of Opportunities. I am just being greedy and would love to see Paige play another year. At my age, I have few joys and UCONN BB is my greatest joy.GO PAIGE!!! GO FRESHMEN!!! GO SOPHOMORES!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

 

[Bone Dog]

Folks seem to know a lot about Lindsay Kagawa Colas. I was surprised to learn the she also represents Diana and Stewie. And even more surprised that she won an NC while at Stanford… in volleyball. Then she was Lindsay Kagawa, and she sounds like a really interesting person. I’d guess that she met Paige through the UConn connection she’d already formed — it really is a sisterhood.

 

[oldude]

Folks seem to know a lot about Lindsay Kagawa Colas. I was surprised to learn the she also represents Diana and Stewie. And even more surprised that she won an NC while at Stanford… in volleyball. Then she was Lindsay Kagawa, and she sounds like a really interesting person. I’d guess that she met Paige through the UConn connection she’d already formed — it really is a sisterhood.

Colas is also the agent for Sue & Maya.

 

[UCinsider]

But on the ESPN broadcast of the North Carolina game, they said Paige would be required to go to the #1 draft team because she had no eligibility left. ???

 

[MdStang]

Paige doesn’t have to say a thing, and I doubt that she’ll think much about the W so long as she’s chasing a national championship with the Huskies. But she has Lindsay Kagawa Colas, a top sports agent, to look after her long term business interests.

Look at what Scott Boras is up to for Juan Soto as he seeks a $700 million contract for his client. Every day there are rumors flying in the media on Soto, about where he’s going and how much he’ll earn. Boras is orchestrating all the rumors while Soto has said nothing.

While Paige is not a free agent, Colas knows her job is to generate opportunities for her clients, as she did effectively with Stewie. LA is a better economic opportunity for Bueckers, and probably a better basketball opportunity as well. If Colas can plant some doubt with Wings GM Curt Miller, maybe he starts thinking about a trade.

Yes I know that nobody thinks he’ll trade the first overall pick. But if you’re not sure Paige will be available, how about swapping picks with LA, along with getting a rising star like Rickea Jackson?

Curt Miller is an experienced basketball executive. He’s going to listen to a lot of offers from other teams relative to the #1 pick. He may lose 2 solid veterans to free agency. He needs more than just Paige Bueckers to fix what’s wrong with the Wings. Miller can parlay his 1st overall pick into 2 or 3 frontline players if he chooses.

"Miller can parlay his 1st overall pick into 2 or 3 frontline players if he chooses."

The Mystics have the number 4 and the number 6 pick. Miller can offer Paige in a two for one trade and maybe get Washington to throw in young Aussie PG Jade Melbourne. A number of good PGs may be available at 4: Georgia Amore, Olivia Miles or point forward Shyanne Sellers. I do this deal all day long.

 

[oldude]

But on the ESPN broadcast of the North Carolina game, they said Paige would be required to go to the #1 draft team because she had no eligibility left. ???

They were mistaken. This is Page’s 5th year in college. She missed the 22-23 season due to injury, so this is her redshirt injury year. But like every other college athlete who played during the 2020-21 season, the NCAA has granted an additional Covid year of eligibility. So Paige could conceivably return next season for a 6th year at UConn.

On a side note, Aubrey has missed 2 full years due to injury and she also has a Covid year of eligibility. So in addition to playing this season, Aubrey can also return next season in what would be her 7th year on campus.

 

[Rowdy831]

Paige needs to enter the draft. She is already older and way better than any player in the country so it would hurt her in long run not moving up to better competition. Secondly UConn needs to make way for the next wave of players who made their decision based on Paige moving on when scheduled.

As far as Dallas is concerned it is a great city and a great sports city at that. They have a couple really good young players and could make a trade with Arike and bring in another player with some scoring ability that plays team ball. Dallas needs to make a good coaching move and that will go a long way to making the players a little happier.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

"Miller can parlay his 1st overall pick into 2 or 3 frontline players if he chooses."

The Mystics have the number 4 and the number 6 pick. Miller can offer Paige in a two for one trade and maybe get Washington to throw in young Aussie PG Jade Melbourne. A number of good PGs may be available at 4: Georgia Amore, Olivia Miles or point forward Shyanne Sellers. I do this deal all day long.

You would do that deal all day long only if you are a Mystics fan and for no other reason. The Mystics have nothing to offer Paige by comparison to LA.

Not a chance Dallas won't have her.

Of course Dallas wants her, but that doesn't mean they won't listen to trade offers. Switching positions with #2 pick LA for pretty much anyone from their roster (except Brink) and lets say another top pick or two in this draft and perhaps next year's too could definitely be worth considering.

 

[PacoSwede]

What would make me happy is for Paige to take her Covid year and stay at UCONN and get a second N.C. then go to the WNBA. She already has NIL income, so she will not lose out of Opportunities. I am just being greedy and would love to see Paige play another year. At my age, I have few joys and UCONN BB is my greatest joy.GO PAIGE!!! GO FRESHMEN!!! GO SOPHOMORES!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

hell, why not go for the first-time triple POY award-winner - '21/'25/'26! she can do it.

as we all know, college is a lot more fun than the 'real' world anyway. it would ensure a spot on Husky Mount Rushmore and people might get over the caitlin-paige ridiculousness too.

 

[huskeynut]

It's a long long way to April. Anything is possible.

I do not beleive Paige will comment on the Wings and the #1 pick. She has other things on her mind. If her agent is as good as I think, Paige will be fine.

As for Dallas, they have to figure out what they really want. If the front office is hell bent on wanting Arike on the team, they have to deal with the consequences. They are not going to win a championship with her running the show. If they are serious about winning a championship, Airke should be traded.

 

[UcMiami]

They were mistaken. This is Page’s 5th year in college. She missed the 22-23 season due to injury, so this is her redshirt injury year. But like every other college athlete who played during the 2020-21 season, the NCAA has granted an additional Covid year of eligibility. So Paige could conceivably return next season for a 6th year at UConn.

On a side note, Aubrey has missed 2 full years due to injury and she also has a Covid year of eligibility. So in addition to playing this season, Aubrey can also return next season in what would be her 7th year on campus.

I think Aubrey would require NCAA approval, because I believe the 4 in 5 years, and 5 in 6 years (covid) rule is still on their books. It is usually a formality to get that approval but one never knows for sure.

 

[Maleficent9]

No shot Paige doesn't enter the draft. I don't think Dallas is as bad of a landing spot as people say. She will do great.

 

[Stagnant]

Dallas has some advantages over LA. New stadium and new practice facility on the way. LA can’t say the same. At least they won’t be sharing a small gym with an aerobics class the way the Connecticut sun apparently do sometimes. At least Dallas doesn’t have some of the allegations and lawsuits against them that teams like Seattle and Vegas do.

Dallas is launching a totally new organization basically. The new arena and practice facility are on the way. A new coach. A new GM. This is a clean slate. And now they have Paige. Everything has gone perfect. I bet they can hire a really good coach too now that they know Paige is coming. This is no longer a rebuilding team project. They will want to compete right away.

 

[bballnut90]

Paige doesn’t have to say a thing, and I doubt that she’ll think much about the W so long as she’s chasing a national championship with the Huskies. But she has Lindsay Kagawa Colas, a top sports agent, to look after her long term business interests.

Look at what Scott Boras is up to for Juan Soto as he seeks a $700 million contract for his client. Every day there are rumors flying in the media on Soto, about where he’s going and how much he’ll earn. Boras is orchestrating all the rumors while Soto has said nothing.

While Paige is not a free agent, Colas knows her job is to generate opportunities for her clients, as she did effectively with Stewie. LA is a better economic opportunity for Bueckers, and probably a better basketball opportunity as well. If Colas can plant some doubt with Wings GM Curt Miller, maybe he starts thinking about a trade.

Yes I know that nobody thinks he’ll trade the first overall pick. But if you’re not sure Paige will be available, how about swapping picks with LA, along with getting a rising star like Rickea Jackson?

Curt Miller is an experienced basketball executive. He’s going to listen to a lot of offers from other teams relative to the #1 pick. He may lose 2 solid veterans to free agency. He needs more than just Paige Bueckers to fix what’s wrong with the Wings. Miller can parlay his 1st overall pick into 2 or 3 frontline players if he chooses.

Wishful thinking at best. Miller would (and should) be fired on spot for trading away the #1 pick unless he waits until after the draft deadline and Paige hasn't entered her name. Bueckers will draw in fans, significantly boost the franchise and her style of play will likely draw future free agents to want to play in Dallas. With all due respect, the comparative value of Iriafen/Jackson is far less than the value of adding Paige to the Wings. Miller isn't going to screw this up even if UCONN fans desperately want her to avoid Dallas.

And perhaps most significant, in 2026 the WNBA is going to blow up with the new collective bargaining agreement and almost everyone who isn't on a rookie contract will be a free agent. There will be a lot more player movement, money funneled into the sport, and every roster will look drastically different. The Wings roster that Paige joins for 2025 will be in place for one season, which is about 5 months long. After that, free agency starts and the Wings likely look very different going into 2026.

 

[Stagnant]

Rickea Jackson and the second pick for Paige. Bad deal. Any gm that accepts that should be sacked immediately.

 

[MSSportsGuy]

Dallas has been one of those organizations that can't seem to get out of its own way. Arike is who she is and for whatever reason has been allowed to play her game for the Wings. This franchise should be better than it is but oh well.

Paige will go first in the draft and likely to the Wings barring some strange turn of events but there is a long time between now and then.

 

[Alydar]

Back in the 80's I believe a college QB named John Elway got drafted by a team he didn't want to play for. He told the NFL that unless he played for Denver he would play baseball, where he also got drafted. Elway played for Denver.

Bueckers has the leverage of returning to UConn for another year. When you got leverage you can move mountains.