Dallas Wins the Paige Bueckers Sweepstakes

[oldude]

Paige has options.
1. Take the year off from the W, get a big European
contract and take her stardom abroad.
2. Demand a trade
3. Return to college...unlikely and even self-defeating
4. Report and make the best of it (seems unlikely to me
but what do I know).
5. Where is Stevie's league?

The rules in the W are complicated but favor the teams rather then rookies and seemingly the best one can hope for in taking a season off is being eligible for the next draft. Free agency for Rookies is hard to come by.

If she refuses to report, it's unlikely that Dallas would hold on to her with the trade value.

One has to remember: she is guided by some of the most knowledgable professionals in the marketing business.
Paige is a very valuable commodity...She'll have extensive excellent advice on this decision; the best.

The option of skipping the W to just play overseas is something to consider. Gabby did it and came back after a triumphant Olympics performance with her choice of teams in the W.

 

[oldude]

I think you guys are talking more from a position of you not wanting Paige in Dallas. She will definitely report. She would report to any franchise.

Yes, we don’t want Paige in Dallas. But none of us knows what she wants and whether or not she will “report.” But she most definitely has options, if she chooses.

Let me quote Don Corleone. “This is just business.”

 

[pvdoggy]

Maybe Dallas will surprise everyone and trade Arike instead. Stranger things have happened before.

 

[Hayven]

I think Paige reports regardless of where she is drafted. It’s not in her nature do so otherwise. I don’t think she minds. Much of the pushback is coming from fans. Because we all know how terrible that organization, and some players, are

 

[Alydar]

Really? Arike is going to need to play off the ball and let Paige run the offense. Is she willing to do that?

The correct question is whether the team will allow Arike to be the focus.

Is Jefferson still around? I'd love to see her and Bueckers team up.

I'm also cynical of the draft lottery happening behind closed doors and of the draft itself but that's another issue.

I don't know how well the Wings draw media attention but with the way the Cowboys are playing Bueckers would be a refreshing dose of competency.

 

[bayern7]

Ngl, I’m a little disappointed. As others have said already I’m not sure Paige and Arike is a good backcourt pairing. That was so funny listening to ESPN talk about how great they’d be together, ugh yeah im not so sure…and I’m not so sure Arike’s style of play fits with any other A level guard, let alone someone like Paige. Not to mention they’re from arguably the hottest rivalry in women’s basketball W or college. You look at LA and it’s begging for Paige, the media market, the vibe of the city (Paige is a fashion girl) she has that laid back swagger mixed with blonde cali surf girl that screams LA/west coast to me, the legacy of the team itself, and the biggest thing is she fits much better with that team in terms of what she’s bringing to what they already have. That trio of Paige, Rickea, Cameron would truly be incredible not just because they’re all great/young but they would compliment each other so well. The only thing that team is really missing is a high level point guard. The stars were all aligned, but alas it wasn’t meant to be

 

[oldude]

The correct question is whether the team will allow Arike to be the focus.

Is Jefferson still around? I'd love to see her and Bueckers team up.

I'm also cynical of the draft lottery happening behind closed doors and of the draft itself but that's another issue.

I don't know how well the Wings draw media attention but with the way the Cowboys are playing Bueckers would be a refreshing dose of competency.

Well, that depends on the front office. The Wings just brought in Curt Miller as GM, formerly a coach for the Sparks & Sun, as well as a GM for the Sun. His first order of business will be to hire a HC. Obviously, the new regime will not be there to promote the status quo.

 

[oldhusky]

Let’s see if we can make this work and it involves the expansion draft lottery. The Valkeries need to make a move here. They offer the dreadful Wings their No. 1 pick, which is the fifth selection. Then offer Dallas their 2026 No. 1 pick. Plus, if this is doable and WNBA legal have the Wings make as many selections as they want using Sacramento’s expansion picks. Dallas would get at least 11 picks from the expansion draft along with two No. 1 picks over the next two years from Sac. This leaves the Valks empty except for Paige. But, they can add a bunch of good players from all over. Anyone have a better deal?

If I were the Valkeries, I would approach with a different package. Trying to keep next year's number 1 and hoping to get a second big time player to go with Paige, I would offer this year's #5 pick plus two players to be named later from the expansion draft. i think if prearranged, the Valkeries could in essence pick for Dallas, saying here are all the players available, pick two and we will select them and then trade them with the #5 pick for the first pick.

 

[bballnut90]

If Paige goes pro next year, is her full 3-4 year rookie contract locked in at 75k/year now? Vs if she waits until 2026, her rookie contract will be on the new negotiated rate (which is expected to be much higher?). Granted it all pales in comparison to the amount she makes from social media, but something to consider for her or in particular players like Harmon/Miles/Fudd who may benefit financially from staying an extra year in college.

Dallas isn't ideal as a landing spot but I also don't see it as a horrible destination. People felt Indiana was a death sentence location 2 years ago and look at the franchise now. Provided she stays healthy, Paige will be great wherever she lands. If she struggles to play alongside Arike, one of them will eventually leave. Arike is a solid passer and a great competitor. Teams will have a nightmare trying to matchup with her/Paige defensively. Most important, she seems thrilled at the prospect of playing with Paige.

 

[bballnut90]

The correct question is whether the team will allow Arike to be the focus.

Is Jefferson still around? I'd love to see her and Bueckers team up.

I'm also cynical of the draft lottery happening behind closed doors and of the draft itself but that's another issue.

I don't know how well the Wings draw media attention but with the way the Cowboys are playing Bueckers would be a refreshing dose of competency.

If the WNBA had it's choice she 100% would've ended up in LA over Dallas. Much larger market, an established fanbase and better visibility there. Plus the prospect of having a core of Brink/Rickea/Paige matching up with Indiana's core of Boston/Clark a few years down the road would be can't miss TV.

 

[dtbtbtb]

As a Dallas resident I'll be happy to watch Paige in person, however, as a Paige fan, i do think that Dallas is the worst team for her in the whole league due to having ball control Arike in charge. The best thing for Dallas would be to trade Arike and build the team around Paige and Satu.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

USA Basketball (Olympics) is probably also not thrilled since Paige is most likely a future Olympian. They prefer great guard-great post combos.

• Paige and Cameron Brink would be a good duo (yeah, I know Napheesa is the lone Lynx Olympian);
• I think Arike has made herself persona non grata with USA Basketball.

Dallas’ roster is not that bad, if you ignore the glaring Arike black hole.

• Still, straightjacketing Paige’s star power to Dallas doesn’t do the WNBA-writ-large any favors.

If it has to be Dallas, will Dallas trade Arike?

• Per Her Hoop Stats, Arike has not been cored and becomes a UFA in 2026.
• Idk if Dallas is willing not to protect her hoping the Valkyries may bite without requiring Arike to be cored;
• Idk if any team will bite;
• Elena did not want to play in Washington, but that was before the firing of the Thibaults.

But I do really^n prefer it is not Dallas, even without Arike. For the good of the sport — Paige’s star power should be elsewhere, preferably LA or the Valkyries.

It’s comforting that UConn only has 12 underclassmen schollies for next year.

• There’s room for Paige, Azzi and Caroline — pending Agot’s decision.

 

[Alydar]

As a Dallas resident I'll be happy to watch Paige in person, however, as a Paige fan, i do think that Dallas is the worst team for her in the whole league due to having ball control Arike in charge. The best thing for Dallas would be to trade Arike and build the team around Paige and Satu.

Or they could keep Arike and trade the rights to Bueckers for some high quality pieces to put around her and make Dallas an immediate contender (on paper that is).

Right now I would bet against both Bueckers and Arike starting for Dallas next season.

 

[Oldschoolbb]

My takeaway is that the WNBA has a lot to learn from the NBA when rigging draft lotteries.

 

[oldude]

Back in the days when Bill Lambeer was coaching them, as the Detroit Shock, the franchise was a legitimate contender, winning a couple championships. The team moved to Tulsa and wasn’t very good. They moved to Dallas and changed their mascot and haven’t been very good there either.

Since Arike showed up in 2019 their best record is 22-18. 3 times they made it to the playoffs, losing twice in the 1st round and getting swept by the Aces the one time they made it to the 2nd round. The other 3 years, the Wings missed the playoffs with losing records. Last season at 9-31 was their worst by far.

In the 6 years Arike has played for the Wings, they’ve burned through 3 HC’s with # 4 to be named for next season. On the WNBA draft pick show, the ESPN analysts were going on and on about why Paige would be a great pick for the Wings by spouting pure fantasy. “The free agents would want to stay and play with Paige, and Arike would play off the ball and be much more effective.”

Arike has been a “ball dominant” player her entire career. She’s had some great games and hit some Big shots. But asking her to play off the ball is like asking a wolf to start eating salad.

Some BY’ers have suggested trading Arike. That’s not a bad idea. Leaving her off the protected roster for the Valkyrie is a bit of a stretch. But maybe there’s a way to promote a trade with the expansion team that would give them someone with star power while they build their franchise.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

...Gabby did it and came back after a triumphant Olympics performance with her choice of teams in the W.

I guess that's true, but why on earth if she had her choice of teams would she choose Seattle?

 

[Brewski]

In the 6 years Arike has played for the Wings, they’ve burned through 3 HC’s with # 4 to be named for next season. On the WNBA draft pick show, the ESPN analysts were going on and on about why Paige would be a great pick for the Wings by spouting pure fantasy. “The free agents would want to stay and play with Paige, and Arike would play off the ball and be much more effective.”

Arike has been a “ball dominant” player her entire career. She’s had some great games and hit some Big shots. But asking her to play off the ball is like asking a wolf to start eating salad.

Some BY’ers have suggested trading Arike. That’s not a bad idea. Leaving her off the protected roster for the Valkyrie is a bit of a stretch. But maybe there’s a way to promote a trade with the expansion team that would give them someone with star power while they build their franchise.

Paige and Arike do have the potential to be an offensive powerhouse duo, but Paige is gonna have to play defense for both of them since Arike rarely does more than jog back to the defensive end of the court and watch. In reality, nobody knows if Arike can play defense cause she's never tried it.

I really hope something better comes along somehow for Paige. Let's keep our hopes up. My money is on an Arike trade... Pretty please!

 

[BobbyJ]

Back in the days when Bill Lambeer was coaching them, as the Detroit Shock, the franchise was a legitimate contender, winning a couple championships. The team moved to Tulsa and wasn’t very good. They moved to Dallas and changed their mascot and haven’t been very good there either.

Since Arike showed up in 2019 their best record is 22-18. 3 times they made it to the playoffs, losing twice in the 1st round and getting swept by the Aces the one time they made it to the 2nd round. The other 3 years, the Wings missed the playoffs with losing records. Last season at 9-31 was their worst by far.

In the 6 years Arike has played for the Wings, they’ve burned through 3 HC’s with # 4 to be named for next season. On the WNBA draft pick show, the ESPN analysts were going on and on about why Paige would be a great pick for the Wings by spouting pure fantasy. “The free agents would want to stay and play with Paige, and Arike would play off the ball and be much more effective.”

Arike has been a “ball dominant” player her entire career. She’s had some great games and hit some Big shots. But asking her to play off the ball is like asking a wolf to start eating salad.

Some BY’ers have suggested trading Arike. That’s not a bad idea. Leaving her off the protected roster for the Valkyrie is a bit of a stretch. But maybe there’s a way to promote a trade with the expansion team that would give them someone with star power while they build their franchise.

I agree with trading AO. Get what they can for her, what good is she to them? They were 9-31 with her so she doesn’t help them win games or sell tickets. With no big money, albatross contract attached to her they’re free to dump her for Bueckers and reset their franchise. They might not get much for her but she wouldn’t be their problem anymore. Nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

 

[Bigboote]

Something to think about: The WNBA is on a high after last year’s rock-star first pick. Paige is another rock star, and she represents an opportunity for the WNBA to avoid the backslide it’s suffered the last few times it’s seen an upsurge.

 

[Boreifs]

Staying at UConn is the worst option; Dallas would be favorites for the Top pick in 2026.

 

[JellyBean]

Do we know for sure Paige is going to be the #1 pick? I know a lot of mocks have her as the #1 pick but now that Dallas has that spot and LA is 2nd, a lot could happen between now and draft time. Throw in player movement and the behind the curtain wheeling and dealing, throw in players staying in school or going pro, a lot can happen.

 

[DEpup]

I have to think that Curt Miller is not stupid. He needs to shed Arike and those lumbering bigs if they are going to turn that team around.

I hope he is smart enough to keep Satou and then build a team around Paige, Satou, and Seigrist.

Otherwise, Paige and her representation need to play hardball and get her out of playing there one way or another.