“It’s a ‘what have you done for me lately’ league. Everyone should be writing the story about her (Arike Ogunbowale) tonight.” Paige Bueckers beamed with pride as her fellow teammate and on-court partner Arike Ogunbowale’s clinched a historic win against the New York Liberty. But while Ogunbowale overcame her inhibitions and dictated on the floor like a true leading force, the recent rumours surrounding the Dallas Wings and the guard provide little justice to her name.

As August dawns upon the Dallas Wings, the team needs to zero in on the final trade within a week. But despite the veteran’s strong association with the Wings, Ogunbowale’s name has been floating around; thanks to her unrestricted free agent status come offseason, that would leave the Wings with no chance to trade assets in return. So more than a few are convinced that the franchise would make a move for the guard who’s averaging a career-low 15.9 points, 3.9 assists, and shooting 36.1% from the field.

Though Wings themselves haven’t officially hinted at the scenario, hosts on the We Need to Talk podcast suggest they better not.

“I don’t know that all of Dallas’s problems get solved if they trade Arike,” Erica Ayala started. “I still think this is an all-star caliber player, someone that can give you really gritty minutes, hit shots in the clutch. So for me, maybe, there are other elements on this Dallas team that need to be moved before you really start moving Arike prematurely.”

Despite not having a relatively impressive stat score this season, Ogunbowale is a 4-time WNBA All-Star. Her reads, decisions during clutch, coupled with her high IQ and experience, provide the veteran with an edge over her teammates. And the young core could use it too. As a clear asset for the Wings, Ayala feels that the team should refrain from moving Arike currently.

Moreover, this sudden trade will pose questions and threats for head coach Chris Koclanes & Co. “Not saying that Paige Beckers won’t be a fantastic player. I think we’re already seeing that. And I just don’t know what you’re looking for in return,” the reporter added. “Are you then going to rebuild a roster now that you lose a veteran presence in your backcourt with Arike? Are you going to go younger? Bring in another vet? But is there another vet that’s available or that could work in a trade that’s going to make this Dallas team significantly and immediately better than what they have right now with Ogunbowale? I don’t know.”

This season is as good as lost for the Wings yet again. If Curt Miller & co. believe it too, they’d likely continue building around Paige, something they originally set out for this season. One of the potential destinations has been the Lynx for Diamond Miller, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick. And as Ayala argued, the need for a solid backcourt and veteran presence could push them towards the Chicago Sky. Namely, Ariel Atkins and a 2026 first-round pick.

The Windy City could use someone to ease their offensive woes, and the Wings would have a Dallas native currently averaging 13.9 points, is a two-time All-Star, and also a five-time All-Defensive Team honoree. But will the team take a chance when Paige and Ogunbowale are building the synergy?

Paige Bueckers writes her name in history books

As the no.1 pick for the Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers has been breaking and re-writing several records this season. With a solid rookie run so far, she has been tactfully following her Indiana Fever predecessor, Caitlin Clark’s footsteps- knowingly or unknowingly. While the two have completely different professional journeys, one thing is strikingly similar. Their ability to clinch records.

After surpassing Clark with 350+ points in just 20 games, Bueckers wrote her name in history books again. She became the fastest player to reach 400+ points and 100+ assists in just 22 games of her career. Not only that, Bueckers tied with legendary athlete, Cynthia Cooper, for the record.

But while she keeps adding personal records to her name, the Wings are largely struggling. As the team buckles up to navigate through the pile of 20 losses and an upcoming trade deal, the season already looks rough on the locker room. While the Wings march onwards without Maddy Seigrist, can the overall improvements help the Wings climb out of their misery?