For months, fans, analysts, and insiders have been certain: Paige Bueckers, the UConn basketball phenom, is heading to the Dallas Wings as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. But as new reports and whispers emerge, that once rock-solid prediction has softened. Could Bueckers’ path to the WNBA take an unexpected turn, or is the idea of her staying at UConn for another year even plausible?

The Dallas Wings Still the Front-Runner

The likelihood of Paige Bueckers joining the Wings remains high—some experts put it at 80%, perhaps even higher. Dallas, which holds the top pick in the draft, seems poised to welcome her into their ranks. The pairing makes sense on paper: Bueckers’ dynamic playmaking could complement the team’s current stars, including Satou Sabally and Arike Ogunbowale.

However, the situation is not without its complications. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Bueckers might have preferred landing with the Los Angeles Sparks, who hold the No. 2 pick. The Sparks, much like Dallas, lack a head coach at the moment but offer a massive market in Los Angeles—a tempting prospect for any athlete looking to maximize their brand and career opportunities.

The UConn Factor: A Sixth Year?

Another layer to the drama is the possibility that Bueckers might decide to return to UConn for her sixth and final year of eligibility. While this seems unlikely, it’s not entirely off the table. Bueckers herself has hinted that this season could be her last in college basketball, but she hasn’t made any firm commitments.

The idea of staying at UConn isn’t without merit. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, Bueckers could potentially earn more in college than she might as a rookie in the WNBA. Additionally, another year at UConn would allow her to build her legacy further and prepare for an even more lucrative professional debut in 2026.

Comparisons have been drawn to Caitlin Clark, who announced in February 2024 that she would forgo her fifth year at Iowa to declare for the WNBA Draft. Analysts speculate that Bueckers might delay her official decision, keeping fans and teams in suspense.

A Rigged Draft? Not This Time

Some observers had speculated that the WNBA might “rig” the draft to ensure Bueckers landed in a major market like Los Angeles. However, the Wings holding the top pick dispelled those rumors. Still, questions linger: Would Bueckers’ marketability and career thrive more in Dallas, or would a bigger city like LA, Washington, or the Bay Area be a better fit for her long-term ambitions?

The Wings’ Roster Fit

If Bueckers does join Dallas, there are questions about how well she would integrate with the team. While her skills are undeniable, the Wings’ roster raises concerns about positional fit and team dynamics. Would she be forced to play point guard, or could the team shift its lineup to accommodate her strengths?

The Wings already have a solid core, but gaps remain, particularly at the center position. Some analysts have suggested starting Satou Sabally at the five to add athleticism, while others believe the team should seek additional reinforcements. The new Wings coach, whoever that may be, will face tough decisions about how to maximize the roster’s potential.

The What-Ifs of 2026

If Bueckers were to delay her WNBA entry until 2026, it could significantly shift the league’s landscape. By then, she might land with a team like the Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, or even a potential new expansion franchise. Such a move could offer better market opportunities and allow her to enter the league under different circumstances.

What’s Next?

For now, Paige Bueckers is overwhelmingly likely to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft and join the Dallas Wings. But the situation is far from a done deal. The possibility of her returning to UConn, or even orchestrating a move to another team through the draft process, adds intrigue to an already compelling storyline.

Should she decide to stay in college, it would undoubtedly shock the basketball world and rewrite expectations for how elite players navigate their careers in the NIL era. Whatever her decision, one thing is clear: Paige Bueckers is playing by her own rules, and the basketball world is watching every move.