University of Connecticut (UConn) basketball standout Paige Bueckers is widely anticipated to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, with the Dallas Wings holding the first selection. This potential pairing has generated significant excitement and speculation within the basketball community.
Bueckers has had an illustrious collegiate career, earning the prestigious Wooden Award as a freshman and leading the Huskies with impressive statistics, including 20 points per game and a 46.4% three-point shooting percentage. Despite facing injuries that sidelined her during parts of her sophomore and junior seasons, she returned to form in her third year, averaging 21.9 points per game and securing her second first-team All-America honor.
However, there are murmurs within the WNBA community about Bueckers’ willingness to join the Wings. Some insiders suggest she might be hesitant about playing in Dallas, given the team’s recent instability and performance issues. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, if Bueckers chooses not to sign with Dallas, the Wings would only retain her rights until the following year’s draft, allowing her the option to re-enter in 2026.
Financial considerations also play a role in Bueckers’ decision-making process. With the potential to earn more through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals at the collegiate level than on a WNBA rookie contract, she might contemplate extending her tenure at UConn. Additionally, the upcoming renegotiation of the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement could lead to increased salaries for rookies, making a delayed entry into the league more financially appealing.
As the April 2025 draft approaches, the basketball world remains attentive to Bueckers’ decisions and the Dallas Wings’ strategies. Her potential entry into the WNBA is poised to significantly influence the league’s dynamics and the Wings’ future trajectory.
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