The 2025 Dallas Wings seemed like a complete team in Curt Miller’s view– one that was hungry, upheld togetherness, and would float in the middle of the pack. DiJonai Carrington was a crucial part of that, ready to head the defense after finishing last on the table the previous year. But soon enough, the franchise went from “DiJonai was arguably the best guard defender in all the league in 2024,” to trading her for Diamond Miller, an injured Karlie Samuelson, who they waived, and a 2027 second-round draft pick. What changed? If you ask Sue Bird, maybe a realization. 

A long-term vision was always the goal for the new GM after acquiring Paige Bueckers. Building in pursuit of a WNBA championship was what Miller was brought in for. So when their season went down the hill, and the record read 8-22, the Wings were quick to turn their eyes to the future. Thus came in, a young forward in Miller. They rate her highly, too. As Maddy Siegrist said, “I think she’ll bring a lot of versatility to our team, defensively and offensively. Excited to get her here.”

Well, DiJonai Carrington was young and leading defensively too. As Miller noted, it was a group with no one in the 30s, built for long term with equal amounts experience and potential. So why trade that was benefitting the Lynx so immensely? Well, Sue Bird is breaking it down.

“I think it makes so much sense. So, Diamond Miller, very quickly drafted by the Lynx, is in her third season, still has one year on her rookie deal,” the Seattle Storm icon started on her podcast, A Touch More. “Dallas, regardless of who the player is, Dallas is receiving a player that come next year, in this ‘new-CBA-everybody’s-a-free-agent-world’ will have a player on their roster… Whereas Carrington, had she finished the season with Dallas, would be a free agent next year. Dallas would be dealing with that part of it.”

In 25 games with the Lynx this season, Miller was averaging 4.1 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 9.7 minutes per game. She has gone from being a promising prospect in her rookie season to almost being sidelined at the franchise that drafted her. But the catch? She still has one year on her rookie contract, whereas almost the entire league is on their last year. Multiple players negotiated their contracts through 2025 based on the timing of the current CBA, which runs through October 31, 2025, and Miller did not have that chance. 

So Bird sees an opportunity for stability here, which won’t be the case with Carrington. The new Lynx guard signed a one-year deal with Dallas when she was brought in. Meaning, if they look to have her back on the roster for 2026, it is going to be a task. 

“I think it’s important for teams as they prepare for next season to… I think it’s nice to have players on your roster, know that you have something as you step into next year’s free agency,” Bird added. It pins down 1 player in their squad for next season, which they are now building towards while losing practically nothing. 

Then there is also the part of salaries– DiJonai was earning $200,000 and will possibly be up for a lot more thanks to the CBA negotiations. In Miller’s case, however, it will continue to be $83,371 this year and just $94,740 the next. This helps Dallas navigate financial side of things going into next year. Moreover, as Bird notes, Miller was a 2nd overall pick. Surrounded by the right core, the Wings might just have an edge in the preparations. 

But amid their squad troubles, the team may have an even bigger problem on the horizon as questions regarding Paige Bueckers’ fitness emerge. 

Should Dallas Fans Worry About Bueckers’ Back and Knee Issues?

There is no doubt, the Dallas Wings would have been worse than the Connecticut Sun if not for Paige Bueckers. The young guard is the prime Rookie Of The Year candidate and their only All-Star, averaging 18.6 points and 5.4 assists along with 1.8 steals. All of which is a team high. Now, there is a threat of Bueckers missing their next game and possibly more.

According to Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints, Paige Bueckers did not practice today because of a back injury. It is just one day before their return leg against the New York Liberty. The point guard sustained that injury in their previous match-up against the very team, where she scored 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.

“I was just dribbling the ball and just felt a tightness come along,” she said of the moment of the strain. “It’s day to day. I’m hoping it won’t take me out. Just get some treatment, get some rest.”

She sustained the injury in the third quarter of the game and got some treatment in the dressing room before coming back. Bueckers missing more time will be the last nail in the Wings’ coffin. Even when it comes to their development, the team is planning to build around Bueckers, and their core is having multiple injury troubles this season. 

There is her chronic knee issue, which forced her to rest against the Las Vegas Aces even when there were no actual injury, just precaution. “There’s no day where it probably doesn’t hurt. But to be on the second night of a back-to-back, where I just played 38 minutes, it usually never feels great the way after the game. But we usually either have an off-day or a light practice day to where I can recover,” Bueckers has admitted. 

These multiple injuries are not a good sign for a rookie and the Wings’ future. While they continue to build, if they don’t have their foundation fit and ready to go for a consistent stretch, it is not a very good look.