Paige Bueckers may be living up to the hype as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, but her team hasn’t found the same success. The Dallas Wings’ problems run deeper than one superstar rookie can fix. Despite Bueckers averaging 18.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in her first pro season, the Wings have continued to struggle this season.

To add fuel to the fire, they traded away their third-leading scorer, DiJonai Carrington (10.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG), to the Minnesota Lynx. In return, Dallas did receive Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick. But this move came at a cost: the team waived veteran center Teaira McCowan, whom they signed back in 2023, for a 3-year contract worth $587,100. She was averaging 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, providing support under the bucket. The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. But an industry insider has found a silver lining in it, too.

On the sports talk show Good Follow, Ros Gold-Onwude and Logan Hackett broke down what the surprising move means for McCowan. While her departure from Dallas may appear like a setback, the hosts offered a more optimistic view. “It’s unfortunate to see Teaira McCowan had to get waived as part of this deal. But it just wasn’t working there for her this season. And there are certainly teams that could use more size. It’ll be interesting to see if she gets picked up and where,” Gold-Onwude said, revealing the waiver might just be good for other teams who could use some more depth in their squad.

Time, however, is not on her side. The league scheduled the 2025 WNBA trade deadline for 3 PM EST on Thursday, August 7. With 70% of the season complete, it will be hard for the veteran center to find a team. Most teams have locked in their rosters this deep into the season and are only seeking minor adjustments. That could mean the season ends early for McCowan. Meanwhile, her ex-teammate DiJonai Carrington is already thriving in Minnesota.

Paige Bueckers’ ex-teammate is on cloud nine following her trade

DiJonai Carrington was acquired by the Wings in a four-team trade this past February. She has appeared in 20 games in 2025, making 13 starts, averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. But her move to the Minnesota Lynx strengthens an already strong team. Even Carrington sang praises for her new team. “This was one of the first times I’ve had fun playing basketball this season,” she said after making her Lynx debut against Seattle.

WNBA legend Candace Parker compared this trade to the Cavs acquiring DeAndre Hunter. She stressed the importance of a defensive player like Carrington, stating, “Kayla McBride can go back to just focusing on shooting threes, and DiJonai Carrington will guard the best player on the other team. And if she’s having a great game, she’ll be in there in the closing minutes.”

During her time with the Wings, DiJonai Carrington averaged a career-high 5.1 rebounds per game, showcasing her dominance in the paint. That physical presence convinced the Minnesota Lynx to pursue her in the trade. However, Paige Bueckers’ other former teammate, Teaira McCowan, didn’t offer the same impact.

The veteran center was having a difficult season. Her scoring average dropped from 11.7 points last year to just 5.6 this season. Her overall production declined across the board: 4.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, reflecting a noticeable dip in form. With her numbers down and the season nearly over, the big question now is: which team, if any, will take a chance on McCowan?