SHOCKING: Paige Bueckers has been in Secret Contact with this WNBA Team ahead of Draft – Will everything plays out and she gets where she wants to play for?

Bueckers is viewed by many as the best player in college

UConn’s Paige Bueckers, one of the top prospects for the upcoming WNBA Draft, has found herself at the center of speculation regarding her professional future.

Despite being widely projected as the number-one pick, rumors suggest that Bueckers might be reluctant to join the Dallas Wings and instead prefers to play for the Los Angeles Sparks.

These reports are drawing comparisons to the infamous 2004 NFL Draft, where Eli Manning famously refused to play for the San Diego Chargers, sparking a trade to the New York Giants.

In a January 8 appearance on the Hoffman Women’s Sports Show, WNBA journalist Howard Megdal shared details about Bueckers’ situation. He noted that sources around the league believe she could follow in Eli Manning’s footsteps, maneuvering to secure a move away from Dallas.

Just as Manning orchestrated his trade after being drafted by the Chargers, basketball fans are speculating that Bueckers might seek a trade to a team that aligns more with her preferences.

Concerns about the Dallas Wings

A key reason for Bueckers’ reluctance toward the Wings could be their recent struggles. Despite her immense talent, the Wings finished with a dismal 9-31 record last season.

The team’s lack of stability and a deep roster may not be an appealing environment for a player of Bueckers’ caliber. Furthermore, the presence of Arike Ogunbowale, one of the league’s top stars, could make it difficult for a newcomer to assume the franchise leader role.

Ogunbowale, a four-time All-Star and former scoring leader, has been at the heart of the Wings’ roster since being drafted in 2019. While Ogunbowale remains a crucial asset, her dominance on the court could limit Bueckers’ opportunities to shape the team in her image.

Unlike most WNBA prospects, Bueckers holds significant leverage. Due to injuries and the COVID-19 season, she still has one more year of college eligibility. This unique situation means she could choose not to enter the draft at all or inform the Wings that she won’t play for them, forcing the team to explore trade options for the first overall pick.

Since the Wings moved to Dallas in 2017, they have had trouble maintaining stability. They’ve failed to secure long-term success and have had coaching changes more frequently than many would like. Despite a strong showing in 2023 with their first-round playoff series victory, their inconsistent performance leaves much to be desired.

For now, the situation remains speculative. Only Paige Bueckers and those closest to her know her true intentions. As the WNBA Draft approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see whether Bueckers will take a page out of Eli Manning’s book and negotiate her future in the league, or if she’ll accept her draft position with the Wings.