Things are going from bad to worse for the Dallas Wings. With just one win all season, they currently sit at the bottom of the WNBA standings. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re now dealing with multiple absentees. Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsoder are away on international duty at EuroBasket 2025, while Tyasha Harris and Maddy Siegrist are both nursing knee injuries. Fans have been criticising the team, and coach Chris Koclanes agrees. “I agree. I’m unhappy as well,” he said, addressing the season so far.  It’s far from an ideal situation. But according to some fans, the Wings may have made things harder for themselves by not bringing in Caitlin Clark’s former teammate.

With Teaira McCowan, Luisa Geiselsoder, and Maddy Siegrist sidelined, the Wings found themselves down to just eight available players. With their roster stretched thin, they had to act quickly. In the WNBA, teams can apply for a hardship exemption when they drop below 10 active players. As a result, Dallas brought in Kaila Charles and Haley Jones on hardship contracts to help fill the void.

“Prior to signing Charles and Jones, the Wings were limited to eight available players due to injuries to Tyasha Harris and Maddy Siegrist, and National Team obligations for Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder. Per league policy, teams qualify for a hardship exemption once they dip below 10 available players,” said the Wings’ statement on their website.

Fans weren’t exactly thrilled with the signings. Many had hoped the Wings would add Caitlin Clark’s former teammate Aari McDonald who had a great stint with the Fever on a hardship deal. But, Dallas chose a different path.

Fans didn’t hold back their frustration after the Wings front office chose to bring in Kaila Charles and Haley Jones. One fan even said, “Regarding Aariwatch. I just don’t fu-king know anymore 😂” The social media was filled with criticism directed towards the Dallas organisation. Let’s take a look at some of the fan reactions

Fans unhappy with Dallas, choosing to opt against Caitlin Clark’s former teammate

Fans were clearly unhappy with Dallas choosing not to go with Caitlin Clark’s former teammate. “Aari was RIGHT THERE” one fan commented. Another joined in saying, “Y’all couldn’t get Aari McDonald ????”

Aari McDonald was very good in her short stay with the Indiana Fever. She averaged 11 points and 3 assists over three games. When injuries sidelined Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colsom, McDonald quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her relentless defense and energy. Even though her 10-day hardship contract expired, everyone in the community took note of her performance. It is expected that McDonald would return to Fever at some point in the Fever, but currently there are no spots available with both Colson and Caitlin Clark fit.

And that’s exactly what’s raising the frustration levels among Wings fans. With Aari McDonald still available as a free agent, many feel Dallas missed a golden opportunity. Instead, the front office went in a different direction, and fans weren’t having it. One frustrated supporter even wrote, “Something is definitely wrong with this organisation. 😂.” Harsh words.

Some fans were left scratching their heads over the decision to bring back Kaila Charles. “Kaila Charles don’t know how to pass, and can’t make simple layups like????” one fan commented. The 27-year-old had a brief stint with the Wings earlier this season on a training camp contract, appearing in 11 games before being waived. She averaged just under 5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Her impact was minimal. And that’s exactly why her return left many fans confused and disappointed.

However, not everyone was against the move. “Charles knows the system and players. She’s the obvious choice to bring back. Hopefully she has such a good game they regret getting rid of her in the first place.” And that’s a fair point. In a league where roster spots are limited, it’s common for teams to re-sign familiar players who already understand the system. But was bringing back Charles truly the better move over pursuing someone like Aari McDonald? What do you think? Do let us know down in the comment section.