Paige Bueckers’ Girlfriend Linked to Wings by Insider as Front Office Finds Silver Lining Amid Struggles

When Geno Auriemma nudged Azzi Fudd to stay one more year at UConn, even with a first-round projection waiting for her, plenty of us grumbled. Why delay destiny? But looking back, maybe that patience was rewarding. Because now, we’re staring at a story that feels like a lovers’ rescue tale unfolding in real time. Picture it with me: Paige Bueckers, battered by injuries, burdened by losses, carrying a bottom-ranked Dallas squad on her shoulders. And then, stage left, the long-awaited arrival – Azzi Fudd, stepping into the league not just as a shooter, not just as a rookie, but as the answer to every Wings fan’s whispered prayer. A backcourt reunion, and a partnership reforged.

Too good to be true? Maybe. So how much of this is reasonable? For that, we turn to insider Joey Mistretta. The interviewer asked a question plainly. “Chris said, “We can’t rebound. We can’t get out in transition. Even if we get a stop, if we can’t stay in front of people and we’re having to over-help…” Basically, what he’s saying is they need to upgrade their perimeter defense….. Dallas also kind of lacks an interior presence on both sides. Not a lot of scoring around the rim, not a lot of rim protection. So if they have the number one pick, what do you think is more pressing of a need? A three-and-D guard or a rim-protecting big?”

Without hesitation, Joey Mistretta replied. “When I look at Lauren Betts and I look at Azzi Fudd, both of those players would make sense. On Wings Twitter, people are like, ‘No, it’s only Lauren Betts,’ or ‘No, it’s only Fudd.’ For me, both of them make sense. I want to watch this next season, see who shows the most potential, and go from there. I do want to mention the Fudd thing again because people have talked about it being a distraction. It won’t be. Paige Bueckers is so professional.” Expert opinion: locked in. Fans’ hesitation: smoothed over. The energy to welcome Azzi? Only rising. But the real question is that will Dallas even get the chance?

According to freelance journalist Kendrick, Monday’s loss to Minnesota sealed the deal: “With tonight’s loss to Minnesota, the Dallas Wings officially clinch the best odds for the #1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.” On paper, that tracks. Dallas has held the league’s worst record two years running, and once again, they’ll walk into the lottery with the heaviest stack of ping-pong balls. Still, excitement deserves a pause button.

Odds by definition, after all, are only likelihoods, not guarantees. As Kendrick reminded, “Keep in mind that we don’t yet know what those odds will be, with expansion making for a five-team lottery instead of four. Sparks had a 44.2% chance last year, though Dallas had slightly better odds when combining their own chances with Chicago’s (Wings had swap rights).” So yes, Azzi Fudd to Dallas can feel written in the stars, but the lottery gods still hold the power. However, even if the ping-pong balls bounce the wrong way, Dallas still won’t be empty-handed.

Who is Paige Bueckers’ New Teammate, If Not Azzi Fudd

The 2026 draft class offers multiple game-changers, each with the potential to slot alongside Paige Bueckers and change the Wings’ fortunes-

At the top of the board is Lauren Betts (UCLA, C), who just authored a breakthrough junior season. She is averaging 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game on 64.8% shooting. Betts even powered the Bruins to their first NCAA-era Final Four and a Big Ten tournament title in their debut season in the league. She is a true center with both offensive polish and defensive bite. Betts represents the kind of rim-protecting anchor Dallas has lacked for years.

If not Betts, then there’s still the dream of Azzi Fudd (UConn, G). In the last season, she has put together a healthy season by averaging 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while hitting 43.6% from three. She saved her best for the brightest lights, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors with 43 points on 55.2% shooting in UConn’s title run. A sharpshooter with history alongside Bueckers, Fudd remains the fans’ fairy-tale pick.

But the board goes deeper. Olivia Miles brings elite court vision, posting 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 40.6% from three. Ta’Niya Latson is a pure scorer, having led Division I with 25.2 points, plus 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season at Florida State before transferring to the Gamecocks. And Flau’jae Johnson offers a balanced package. She averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, while shooting 38.3% from deep and 81% from the line.

For Dallas, the lottery will decide the script. But whether it’s the reunion with Fudd, the dominance of Betts, or another rising star, Paige Bueckers is bound to have help on the way.