Although this season was always expected to be a rebuilding one in Dallas, the arrival of generational prospect Paige Bueckers gave fans hope. After a slow start, Bueckers has solidified herself as the Rookie of the Year favorite, showing the promise everyone expected. Still, the Dallas Wings have struggled.
The race for a playoff spot has been tight heading into the regular season’s final month. But with the Wings sitting 12th, winning just eight of their 32 games, it looks like Bueckers will have to wait another year for her first taste of the postseason.
Even so, Bueckers remains upbeat and has backed the front office during another tough season.
What Did Paige Bueckers Say About the Future in Dallas?
Talk around the future of the Dallas roster continues to grow. And while there’s been plenty of excitement inside the locker room, Wings fans can take comfort knowing Bueckers is committed to what’s ahead.
The theme around the Dallas Wings from people I’ve talked to around the team as well as the players is that there is true excitement for the future.
Has the 2025 season brought challenges? Yes, but it’s also been a rebuilding year. The Wings believe in what they are doing and…
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) August 11, 2025
“Very exciting,” Bueckers said of the team’s future. “I think we have a really good young core, we have great pieces to build around, good complementary pieces… We got veterans, so a mix of both. And I think we’re all really excited that the front office has doubled down on who we have here right now. I think that’s what we’re gonna build around. So, the future is exciting.”
Although Dallas had hopes of competing in the Playoffs this year, as soon as it became imminent that a postseason spot would likely be out of reach, the Wings decided to double down on the future.
The Wings started by trading NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces at the end of June in exchange for the Las Vegas Aces’ 2027 first-round pick. While this was a bold move, as Smith was a key piece of the team, it gave the Wings a valuable asset in what is expected to be a generationally stacked draft class.
GM Curt Miller kept the rebuild going in August, sending DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick. Diamond Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, adds another young, high-upside piece while bringing in more draft capital. At 24, she fits the Wings’ timeline.
KEEP READING: Paige Bueckers Sends Strong Message About Wings Teammates Amid Disappointing WNBA Record
Not just the front office, but veteran Arike Ogunbowale has also been supportive in this transition period, understanding the team’s need to build around a generational prospect in Bueckers. As both Bueckers and Ogunbowale prove to be the most effective with the ball in their hands, the veteran has had to take the backseat this season upon the arrival of the UConn alum.
With spirits still high in Dallas, the season signifies a successful start to their rebuild. As a franchise that has never tasted championship glory, the Wings aren’t just preparing to show up to the Playoffs; they’re preparing to make history there.
