Dallas Wings HC Gets Totally Frank About Paige Bueckers’ Teammate Amid Trade Rumor Buzz

With their 8-20 record and many pieces to be adjusted, the Dallas Wings’ rebuild is still a work in progress. Curt Miller set out to build around Paige Bueckers, and he has been aggressive about it. First Li Yueru, and later NaLysaa Smith. So with trade lines still open and the Wings struggling to find a steady ground, there’s no saying there won’t be another move. Moreover, the potentials have seen no stoppage from the industry insiders. Coach Koclanes, meanwhile, is giving no hints. 

With the trade deadline of August 7 is fast approaching, there have been a few scenarios floating around for the Wings. First mention, Arike Ogunbowale, the face of the franchise until late. Averaging a career-low 15.7 points on 34.6% from the field and 30.5% 3-point shooting, analysts have suggested Wings would want to find a younger replacement. But before that speculation could die down, DiJonai Carrington was a name added to the conversation. 

ESPN’s Alexa Philippou put a fresh spotlight on the Dallas Wings’ trade buzz, revealing that the young guard is now swirling in league circles as a potential piece on the move. “I’ve heard the name DiJonai Carrington brought up in some WNBA circles as someone who could also potentially be on the move beyond Dallas,” she had said. 

Following Phillipou’s interesting segment on ESPN, the Dallas Wings lost their next game against the Dream. Carrington again came off the bench, playing 25 minutes while getting 8 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. It was an impactful display, hardly corroborating her move, and Coach Chris Koclanes’ comments suggest nothing different; though he did not shy away from drawing a line on the stretch of her skills.  

“Yeah, again, just DiJonai brings an energy that is different from anybody. She has a defensive energy about her,” he started in the post-game presser. “And it’s not to say she’s perfect, but she plays so hard on that side of the floor. And then she can get out on the open floor, and she runs consistently, and puts pressure on the rim.” 

Though Carrington starting just 1 of her last 7 games wasn’t exactly the positive sign, Koclanes still trusts her defensively. In the win over the Liberty, she tallied nine points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one block in 17 minutes. Those boards were highest for the night. And that was what she was brought in for– leading the team and giving it a defensive identity.

She came off a career-best season in Connecticut, where she was selected for the All-Defensive first team while winning the Most Improved Player of the year award. So being benched has sure taken a toll on her. “It’s definitely an adjustment. It was hard for me,” she had admitted. However, Koclanes is still banking on her abilities, to drive the team and the auidence.

“When we can continue to get good versions in, she just knows that energy is contagious not only for our team but also for the crowd. The crowd feeds off of her and believes in her as well. So, we need to continue to get that version,” he added. 

Carrington is averaging 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 25.3 minutes per game this season. That’s a slight dip and she has expressed how that’s hindered the expansion in role she was expecting in Dallas. Was there a tinge of unhappiness there? Maybe, but for now, she remains a vital cog in this Dallas side until and unless we get some concrete news. 

Until then, they do have a new signing in spirit coming back for their next game against the Indiana Fever. 

Maddy Siegrist To Return After 7-Week Absence

Injuries have piled up for the Dallas Wings throughout the season. Paige Bueckers has missed stretches of games due to a knee issue and then, due to a concussion. Myisha Hines Allen has had her injury woes. Ogunbowale injured her thumb. Seemed like every injury report carried bad news. However, finally, they are set to be boosted with the return of Maddy Siegrist from her right knee injury. 

Siegrist suffered a right knee injury in a loss at Phoenix. To be exact, it was an anterolateral tibial plateau fracture. WebMD described the tibial plateau as the bone, more commonly known as the shinbone, which is made up of cartilage. However, it fortunately did not require surgery, and she will return after a 17-game absence.

According to  DallasHoopsJournal.com, Siegrist participated fully in the shootaround before their loss against the Dream. And now, she has received the green light to play in their next game against the Indiana Fever. 

Things were looking up for the forward just before she got injured. Her only double-double of the season, with 15 points and 11 boards, came in her matchup against the Lynx, just one game before she got injured. Siegrist’s addition could be an inspiration to turn around their recent form, as Wings have just 3 wins in their last 10 games. 

Siegrist’s return means the Dallas Wings finally have 11 healthy players for just the third time since May, offering a desperately needed boost in depth after months of juggling injuries. With Grace Berger’s second seven-day contract now expired, they’re no longer eligible for hardship signings, putting even more emphasis on managing their current roster. The team is also going through some internal locker room struggles, which Koclanes needs to contend with. As trade speculation swirls around Ogunbowale and rumors persist regarding Carrington, the Wings face some crucial decisions ahead that could shape both their immediate fortunes and the team’s future direction.