Her breakthrough in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> has not been disappointing, and Paige Bueckers has shown in her rookie season that she is up to the task. Unfortunately for her, a knee injury forced her to miss the latest game for the Dallas Wings, although Chris Koclanes is confident she will be back on the court very soon.


 


The former UConn Huskies player was sidelined for the game in which her team ultimately defeated the Washington Mystics 79-71. After speaking with the press, the Wings’ coach remains optimistic about having his star player available for the next matchup.



“Just precautionary, some soreness. Just doing our due diligence and managing what’s best for her long-term health,” the head coach stated via the insider @JoeyMistretta_.



Despite her youth and being a rookie in the league, Bueckers has proven to be on par with her teammates and is one of the standout players in this challenging campaign for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-wings">Dallas</a>, which currently holds a losing record of 5 wins and 13 losses, sitting in last place in the Western Conference.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250629_BUS_429082_paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-1024x576_3d31ceb6.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Paige Bueckers Chris Koclanes" class="wp-image-429212" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/29153102/paige-bueckers-chris-koclanes.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Chris Koclanes converses with Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena on May 24, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Other key returns for the Wings</h2>



With the primary goal of continuing their winning streak in what has been an uphill season for Dallas, it will be crucial to keep the entire roster available and, of course, in top physical condition.


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The anticipated return of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paige-bueckers">Paige Bueckers</a> for the upcoming game against the Phoenix Mercury this Thursday is joined by the comebacks of Luisa Geiselsoder and Teaira McCowan, who had been representing their countries, Germany and Turkey respectively, in the EuroBasket.


 


Additionally, Koclanes addressed the situation of DiJonai Carrington — who is dealing with a rib injury: “Unique, just being extremely cautious and trusting our medical team,” the HC said. “But encouraged that she will be back on the floor sooner than you think.”



<h2>Dallas’ upcoming games</h2>



<ul><li>vs Phoenix Mercury, July 3rd</li><li>vs Phoenix Mercury, July 7th</li><li>vs Chicago Sky, July 9th</li><li>vs Indiana Fever, July 13th</li><li>vs Las Vegas Aces, July 16th</li></ul>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="686197329a59e2e0ea8f75a9" data-title="Can Paige Bueckers lead the Wings to a great WNBA season?" data-options="2"></div>

Wings HC Chris Koclanes provides important injury update on Paige Bueckers

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Wings HC Chris Koclanes provides important injury update on Paige Bueckers - Bolavip US

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Paige Bueckers took the floor for her first <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> preseason game on Friday night, as the Dallas Wings faced Las Vegas Aces. The matchup, held at the home of Notre Dame women’s basketball, gave fans their first look at the No. 1 overall pick in a professional setting. While the Aces cruised to a 112-78 win, coach Chris Koclanes is content with Bueckers’ performance.



Bueckers, fresh off a national title with UConn just 27 days ago, finished with 10 points, four rebounds and an assist. “The game is slow for her,” Koclanes said at practice on Sunday, in a video shared by journalist Myah Taylor. “Usually, there’s a transition period… but the pace with which she plays already is just different.”



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-wings">Wings</a> selected Bueckers to be the cornerstone of a long-term rebuild. Dallas went 9–31 last season, avoiding the league’s worst record by a single game. Their .225 winning percentage was the franchise’s lowest since its Tulsa Shock days in 2011. With that in mind, the organization isn’t expecting overnight success, but Bueckers can help them step in the right direction.



Friday’s result was a reminder of the gap between contenders and teams in transition. The Aces, loaded with veteran talent, controlled the tempo from the start. Still, Bueckers found ways to get involved, showing flashes of the court vision and offensive instincts that made her a top pick.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Wings HC Chris Koclanes on Paige Bueckers: “The game is slow for her.” <a href="https://t.co/1r5gGW2HB5">pic.twitter.com/1r5gGW2HB5</a>— Myah Taylor (@t_myah) <a href="https://twitter.com/t_myah/status/1919109614852796862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In that sense, Koclanes praised Bueckers’ ability to read the game at a high level, even in her first taste of WNBA action. “We’re excited to have that on our side,” he said. For a team needing leadership and consistency, her presence brings hope for progress.


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<h2>Dallas Wings’ next match</h2>



Bueckers will get another chance to acclimate this weekend when the Wings face Japan’s Toyota Antelopes in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, May 10. It will be another low-pressure opportunity to test rotations and give the rookie more minutes in a pro setting.



Dallas officially opens the 2025 WNBA season at home on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx. With expectations tempered but optimism growing, the Bueckers era has quietly begun.

Wings Coach Says ‘Game Is Slow’ for Paige Bueckers After Preseason Debut

Dallas Wings coach offers high praise for Paige Bueckers after preseason debut

Dallas Wings coach offers high praise for Paige Bueckers after preseason debut - Bolavip US

Paige Bueckers hadn’t even stepped on stage at the 2025 WNBA Draft before her name was already dominating headlines. On the eve of the draft, Front Office Sports reported the former UConn star signed a three-year, $350,000-per-year contract with Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league founded by WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The agreement makes her Unrivaled salary higher in year one than what she’d earn in four years on a rookie-scale <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> contract.



Asked about the situation ahead of the draft, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged the optics but said Bueckers’ involvement in Unrivaled wasn’t new. “I think, first of all, Paige already announced that six months ago or so,” Engelbert said. “I think it was already announced that Paige was signing a three-year deal with them and had equity in the league.”



Engelbert expressed support for what Collier and Stewart are building in Miami, but noted that comparing the two leagues wasn’t exactly apples to apples. “By the time we get done [with expansion] with 16 teams, over 190 players we need to take care of,” she said. “I know it’s a lot easier to do 30 [players] in one spot.” 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Cathy Engelbert responds to a Q about Paige Bueckers 1-year salary in Unrivaled is more than her entire WNBA rookie deal “Paige already announced that six months ago,” she says, before explaining how different the WNBA’s scope is and the growth of corporate partnerships <a href="https://t.co/s78x2JsGoo">pic.twitter.com/s78x2JsGoo</a>— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1911906665185579470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Still, the salary gap has drawn attention. Bueckers is set to earn $78,831 as a rookie and $348,198 over four years in the WNBA, less than one year with Unrivaled. Engelbert pointed to ongoing CBA negotiations, which could shift those numbers by the end of Bueckers’ rookie year. 



For now, she maintained that the WNBA remains a strong platform: “What the WNBA offers is a huge platform to our players around their corporate partners around activating.”


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<h2>No. 1 Pick to the Wings</h2>



Minutes after Engelbert’s remarks, the Dallas Wings made it official: Bueckers was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. Speaking to fans in Arlington, Wings GM Curt Miller called it “a momentum-building moment” and praised Bueckers as “one of the most efficient players the collegiate game has ever seen.”



“She makes everybody better,” Miller added. He also noted the Wings’ second first-round pick, Madison Scott, calling her “one of the best defenders out there.”



<h2>Bueckers’ Numbers at UConn</h2>



Bueckers heads to the pros after a strong senior season at UConn, where she averaged 19.9 points and 4.6 assists per game. She shot 53.4% from the field, 41.9% from three-point range, and 88.9% from the free throw line.

WNBA Commissioner reacts to No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers’ massive contract with Unrivaled

WNBA Commissioner reacts to No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers’ massive contract with Unrivaled - Bolavip US

As the Unrivaled season is underway, there has been speculation surrounding the future of Satou Sabally, who already announced her decision to leave Dallas Wings. With her impending free agency, Sabally has become a highly sought-after target on the open market. And Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud wasted no time trying to recruit her.



Cloud is optimistic that the Wings forward could end up in Phoenix. Speaking with reporters from Desert Wave Media Co., she revealed the lengths she’d go to make it happen. “If she wants my apartment, I’ll give it up for her,” Cloud said, according to Sports Illustrated.



The Mercury point guard has been actively campaigning for free agents to join her team, alongside teammate Kahleah Copper. With Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, who still hasn’t announced any decisions on her potential retirement, the Mercury have considerable star power.



However, acquiring a forward of Sabally’s caliber—one who can score at all three levels and bring physicality—would be a game-changer. While Griner is a dominant shot blocker, rebounding isn’t her strongest asset. Sabally could help fill that gap, making life easier for Griner and the rest of the team.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250121_BUS_318119_phoenix-mercury-star-1024x576_dd28c40f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="phoenix mercury natasha cloud" class="wp-image-318125" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/20220602/phoenix-mercury-star.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Natasha Cloud of the Phoenix Mercury (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Adding to the intrigue, Sabally and Cloud are teammates in the Unrivaled league, playing together for Phantom BC. Over the course of the eight-week competition, they’ll share the court regularly. Griner is also part of the squad, giving the Mercury’s players ample time to continue their recruitment efforts.


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<h2>Sabally acknowledges recruitment by Unrivaled teammates</h2>



On the January 15 episode of A Touch More, Sue Bird reflected on the implications of Unrivaled taking place during the free agency period. Speaking to her co-host and fiancée Megan Rapinoe, Bird joked about the potential for players to form “superteams” in the WNBA.



“Oh my god, there’s going to be so much recruiting in Unrivaled,” Bird said with a laugh. Rapinoe chimed in, referencing Sabally’s free-agent status: “I’d be buying Satou’s coffees.”



Sabally later addressed Bird’s remarks during a January 16 media session. “It’s true,” Sabally said, according to Front Office Sports. “You’re able to talk directly to other players and learn about what they have, their resources, and how committed their owners are to the women’s team. If a team’s ownership doesn’t prioritize the women’s side, that’s not somewhere I’d want to go.”



The former second overall pick from Oregon spent five seasons with Dallas, earning two WNBA All-Star selections and a spot on the 2023 All-WNBA First Team. After Wings cored her, considering Sabally’s stance, it seems unlikely the Wings will try to convince her to play under new coach Chris Koclanes and sign a new contract. Instead, they are more likely to focus on securing a favorable trade partner.

Satou Sabally is being 'recruited' by Unrivaled teammate and Mercury star

Satou Sabally is being 'recruited' by Unrivaled teammate and Mercury star - Bolavip US

Satou Sabally, now an unrestricted free agent, announced her decision to leave the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-wings">Dallas Wings</a> during a media session in Miami on Thursday. The 26-year-old forward has spent the first five years of her WNBA career with the team.



As one of the top players in the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA </a>free agency period, her announcement has generated significant buzz. “I’ve already communicated with Dallas how grateful I am because they’ve made this a home for me over the past years,” Sabally said at Unrivaled’s media day. “I’m working with them to find a new home for me.”



“I’ve already played my last game in Dallas,” she confirmed. “At first, they were still trying [to keep me],” Sabally said of the Wings’ reaction. “But I think the most effective approach is working with the player, listening to their wishes, and finding the best solution for both sides.”



Sabally also noted the strong communication between her agent and the Wings’ front office. “There was always great communication, more so on the agent front now because I need to focus on Unrivaled. I trust my staff and the front office to handle things from here,” she added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250109_BUS_309792_sabally-1024x576_eb79fd1c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-309950" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Satou Sabally playing for Germany during the 2024 Paris Olympics (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



As Sabally prepares for free agency, the Indiana Fever and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-liberty">New York Liberty</a> have emerged as top contenders for her services. She expressed excitement about the free agency process, saying, “I’m excited to talk to players across the league. I haven’t played for a different team yet, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them more personally and learning how they approach the game.”


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<h2>How can the Fever sign Sabally? </h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-fever">Indiana Fever</a> could assemble a trade package for Sabally that includes forward NaLyssa Smith and their No. 8 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Smith, who voiced her frustrations over playing time last season, is in the final year of her rookie contract. Pairing her with the draft pick could present Dallas with a strong offer for Sabally, who has up to two years of team control under core service rules.



<h2>What about the New York Liberty?</h2>



Sabally has also expressed interest in playing with her sister, Nyara Sabally, who is currently with the New York Liberty. “I would love to play with my sister,” she told ESPN. However, the Liberty’s frontcourt already features stars like Breanna Stewart—who has stated she plans to re-sign—and Jonquel Jones, making the team’s roster a tough puzzle to navigate.

Sabally leaves Dallas Wings: Fever and Liberty emerge as potential destinations

Sabally leaves Dallas Wings: Fever and Liberty emerge as potential destinations - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> has experienced explosive growth over the past year, fueled by the emergence of rookie stars like Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. As the league continues to expand, fans eagerly await the Free Agency period, where team rosters could undergo significant transformations.



This year’s free agency class boasts a star-studded lineup, including Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, Satou Sabally, and Kelsey Plum. However, the impending negotiation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will undoubtedly influence player decisions, as they seek improved opportunities and conditions.



Furthermore, the arrival of new coaches at eight teams, including the Fever and the Sky, adds another layer of intrigue to the free agency period. How these teams reshape their rosters will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming WNBA free agency period.



<h2>Key dates of WNBA free agency period 2025</h2>



<ul><li>January 11-20: Teams have a window to extend “qualifying offers” to their restricted free agents. Teams can also designate certain players as “Core” players.</li><li>January 21: The “negotiation window” begins. Teams can engage in contract discussions with all free agents, but no official agreements can be signed.</li><li>February 1: The free agency signing period officially starts. Players can sign contracts with any team, and teams can submit “offer sheets” to restricted free agents.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241226_BUS_301015_kelsey-plum-1024x576_bfb01d5c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="kelsey plum " class="wp-image-301048" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum becomes a free agent in 2025</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What types of free agents are there?</h2>



<ul><li>Unrestricted Free Agent: Eligible to negotiate and sign a contract with any team in the league without restriction.</li></ul>


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<ul><li>Restricted Free Agent: Can explore contract offers from any team, but their former team retains the right to match any offer they receive.</li><li>Reserved Free Agent: Players with less than three years of professional experience. Their former team has the exclusive right to negotiate a new contract, but only if they offer the player a “qualifying offer” (a specific salary threshold).</li><li>Suspended – Contract Expired: A rare situation where a player’s contract expires while they are suspended from play. Under the league’s rules, these players are considered to be “withholding services.”</li></ul>



<h2>Players entering free agency</h2>



New York Liberty: Breanna Stewart (unrestricted), Courtney Vandersloot (unrestricted), Kennedy Burke (unrestricted), Ivan Dojkic (reserved), Jaylyn Sherrod (reserved).



Minnesota Lynx: Myisha Hines-Allen (unrestricted), Natisha Hiedeman (unrestricted), Cecilia Zandalasini (reserved), Olivia Epoupa (reserved), Jessica Shepard (suspended-contract expired).



Connecticut Sun: Free agents: Alyssa Thomas (unrestricted), Brionna Jones (unrestricted), DeWanna Bonner (unrestricted), Tiffany Mitchell (unrestricted), Astou Ndour-Fall (unrestricted), DiJonai Carrington (restricted), Veronica Burton (reserved), Caitlin Bickle (reserved).



Las Vegas Aces: Kelsey Plum (unrestricted), Alysha Clark (unrestricted), Tiffany Hayes (unrestricted), Sydney Colson (unrestricted), Queen Egbo (reserved).



Indiana Fever: Kelsey Mitchell (unrestricted), Erica Wheeler (unrestricted).



Phoenix Mercury: Diana Taurasi (unrestricted), Brittney Griner (unrestricted), Monique Billings (unrestricted), Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (reserved), Natasha Mack (reserved), Charisma Osborne (reserved), Celeste Taylor (reserved), Amy Atwell (reserved).


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Seattle Storm: Nneka Ogwumike (unrestricted), Gabby Williams (unrestricted), Mercedes Russell (unrestricted), Sami Whitcomb (unrestricted), Joyner Holmes (unrestricted), Victoria Vivians (unrestricted).



Atlanta Dream: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (unrestricted), Aerial Powers (unrestricted), Tina Charles (unrestricted), Lorela Cubaj (reserved), Maya Caldwell (reserved).



Washington Mystics: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (unrestricted), Emily Engstler (reserved), Sug Sutton (reserved), Julie Vanloo (reserved).



Chicago Sky: Isabelle Harrison (unrestricted), Brianna Turner (unrestricted), Diamond DeShields (unrestricted), Chennedy Carter (restricted), Michaela Onyenwere (restricted), Dana Evans (restricted).



Dallas Wings: Satou Sabally (unrestricted), Natasha Howard (unrestricted), Jaelyn Brown (reserved), Sevgi Uzun (reserved).



Los Angeles Sparks: Kia Nurse (unrestricted), Aari McDonald (restricted), Li Yueru (reserved).

2025 WNBA Free Agency: Key dates, facts and full player list

2025 WNBA Free Agency: Key dates, facts and full player list - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-wings">Dallas Wings</a> have announced the hiring of Chris Koclanes as their new head coach, the team revealed on Monday. Koclanes, a former WNBA assistant coach and current USC assistant, will take over a team that is aiming for a playoff return after a difficult 2024 season.



The Wings, who hold the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, finished second-to-last in the standings last year and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, leading to the firing of Latricia Trammell following a 9-31 record.



Koclanes brings eight seasons of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> coaching experience, having worked under general manager Curt Miller, a veteran coach who previously led the Los Angeles Sparks and Connecticut Sun. Known for his defensive expertise, Koclanes has established a reputation as a top defensive coordinator, serving in that role for both Connecticut and Los Angeles. 



The Wings hired Trammell ahead of the 2023 season to address their defensive struggles, and she delivered immediate results. The team recorded its best campaign in over a decade, reaching the 20-win mark for the first time since 2008 and winning a playoff series for the first time since 2009.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241223_BUS_299231_Chris-Koclanes-1024x576_b6e2fec9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="chris koclanes" class="wp-image-299305" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23180820/Chris-Koclanes.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Chris Koclanes will be Dallas Wings head coach (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



However, injuries derailed that progress in 2024. A 5-19 start to the season proved insurmountable, leaving the Wings out of the playoffs and back in the lottery for the first time since 2021.


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<h2>Koclanes is an expert in defense</h2>



Koclanes’ tenure with the Connecticut Sun (2016-2022) was marked by two WNBA Finals appearances and four consecutive semifinal berths, helping establish Connecticut as one of the league’s premier defensive teams. In his single season with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023, the team ranked in the top-four in defensive rating. 



This will be key for the Wings, who have struggled defensively, ranking no higher than eighth in defensive rating since relocating to Dallas in 2016, and finishing last in that category in 2024.


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Over the past two seasons, Koclanes has also contributed to the revitalization of USC’s women’s basketball program under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, helping the Trojans reach new heights with the addition of star JuJu Watkins.



<h2>The Wings are in the middle of a reorganization</h2>



The Wings are entering a critical phase of organizational change, with Koclanes’ hiring and Curt Miller’s move from team president to general manager signaling a new direction. The team also strengthened its front office by promoting Travis Charles to senior vice president of basketball operations and assistant GM, and Jasmine Thomas to vice president of basketball operations and assistant GM.


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Looking ahead, the team is preparing for a move to Dallas in 2026, where they will play in a newly renovated arena within the redeveloped Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The Wings are also building a standalone practice facility in the city.

WNBA News: USC assistant coach becomes Dallas Wings’ new head coach

WNBA News: USC assistant coach becomes Dallas Wings’ new head coach - Bolavip US

The Dallas Wings won the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> Draft Lottery, positioning them to select Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick. When asked about the lottery, Bueckers admitted to feeling anxious and opted not to watch.



“People think I’m lying. I actually didn’t watch it, it was giving me too much anxiety,” Bueckers told ESPN of Sunday’s lottery. “So I just decided to… whatever was going to happen, regardless of whether I was watching or not, so I just kind of let things happen and figure it out after,” she explained.



When asked about Dallas winning the lottery and likely using that pick to select her, she said, “I honestly don’t want to get complacent. I want to stay humble, stay grounded, stay in the moment. Nothing in the future is guaranteed, so just taking every moment as it is. I’m a firm believer in God having a plan for me, so whatever that is, I’m ready to do it,” she concluded.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">HELLO NO. 1 <a href="https://t.co/Hh36jsyy9e">pic.twitter.com/Hh36jsyy9e</a>— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) <a href="https://twitter.com/DallasWings/status/1858279448686064109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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However, it has been reported that Bueckers was hoping to land in Los Angeles Sparks, as they were the predicted winner of the draft, due to their record in the past WNBA seasons. However, they will pick second, while the Chicago Sky will pick third.


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<h2>Dallas Wings in search of a new head coach&nbsp;</h2>



The No. 1 picks can transform a franchise, as Indiana Fever have evidenced after landing the No. 1 picks of Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark in consecutive years. Both players won Rookie of the Year awards, and the team landed their first playoff berth since 2016.&nbsp;



However, the Wings have a more pressing matter to attend first: hiring a new coach. General manager Curt Miller told The Press Democrat that searching has generated buzz. “The coaching search has already generated tremendous amounts of interest,” he said. “Can’t begin to tell you the interest coming from not only the WNBA but also outside the WNBA. This is only going to increase it.”



Meanwhile, Wings forward Maddy Siegrist, who was representing the franchise in the draft, said that they were “super excited” as “we’ve seen how impactful lottery picks have been, especially the past few seasons.”



<h2>Paige Bueckers’ talent</h2>



Minnesota native Paige Bueckers has been a revelation at UConn. As a freshman, she made history by claiming every major national player of the year award. However, knee injuries sidelined her during her sophomore and junior years.



Despite these challenges, Bueckers has led the Huskies to multiple Final Four appearances, including a championship game in 2022. With a remarkable scoring average of 19.9 points per game, she’s poised to break Maya Moore’s all-time program scoring record.

WNBA news: Paige Bueckers breaks her silence on Dallas Wings getting the No. 1 pick

WNBA News: UConn star Paige Bueckers sends powerful message about Caitlin Clark

WNBA News: Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale reacts to team’s landing No. 1 Pick

WNBA news: Paige Bueckers breaks her silence on Dallas Wings getting the No. 1 pick - Bolavip US

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