WNBA fans have a lot to look forward to in 2025. Several of the league’s biggest stars will be playing for Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the Golden State Valkyries are joining the W, and several big names are set to enter free agency.
While it is certainly an exciting time for WNBA fans, several teams will have a tough offseason ahead of them as tough decisions need to be made, and key players may be looking to suit up for a new team. The Dallas Wings are one of those teams. Despite their luck in the draft lottery and the potential of Paige Bueckers coming to Dallas, the Wings still have a lot of issues to work out and must prepare for some unpleasant scenarios.
Scenario #3: Natasha Howard leaves in free agency
This one should be no surprise. Natasha Howard already posted a farewell message to the Dallas Wings on social media, saying that she is looking forward “to this next chapter with a new team and new city.” She obviously does not want to return to Dallas where she spent the last two seasons.
While not surprising, losing Howard will still be a blow for the Wings. She was the team’s third-leading scorer last season, ranked second in rebounds per game behind only Teaira McCowan, and proved that, even at 33, she still has plenty left in the tank.
So, the Wings must figure out how to replace her production. Despite just landing the number-one pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Wings are not rebuilding. They already have a great talent in Arike Ogunbowale and must build a winning team around her or risk her wanting to leave as well.
Fortunately, the idea of playing with Paige Bueckers and benefitting from the attention she will bring if she indeed joins the Wings should entice several players in the league. Every WNBA fan saw what Caitlin Clark did for the league and the Indiana Fever last season. Bueckers will likely have a similar impact.
Scenario #2: Satou Sabally still wants to leave
Satou Sabally will be one of the most coveted free agents available this offseason, and it has been rumored that she wants to leave Dallas as well. Since she liked some social media comments recruiting her to join the Indiana Fever, some fans have been certain that she will be on her way out.
It is not quite as easy, though.
The Wings can still core Sabally, and Dallas’s lottery luck should sway the forward’s decision. Satou Sabally, Arike Ogunbowale, and Paige Bueckers could form a daunting big three in Dallas. And yet, there is no guarantee that landing the number-one pick is enough to convince Sabally to stay, and if she truly wants to leave, coring her will not make her happier to be in Dallas.
No matter the outcome, the Wings must be prepared for the possibility of Sabally still exploring the market. They need a good Plan B or risk losing two of their three top scorers in the same offseason. Fortunately, if Sabally truly wants out, the Wings can still core her and find a lucrative trade. While it might not make up completely for losing a player of Sabally’s caliber, getting good assets in return would soften the blow.
Scenario #1: The head coaching search will become increasingly difficult
The 2024 season saw a lot of coaches leaving their teams. Seven teams—the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics—all parted ways with their head coaches after the 2024 season.
The Fever, the Sky, and the new Golden State Valkyries arguably secured the most attractive names on the market. Stephanie White returned to Indiana, Tyler Marsh left the Las Vegas Aces to come to Chicago, and Natalie Nakase will be leading the Valkyries in their first season.
By now, only two teams are without a head coach: the Mystics and the Wings. Dallas decided to let Latricia Trammell go after an injury-ridden season despite the success she found with the team in 2023. So far, they have not found a replacement, and the search will only become more difficult. After all, there is not an unlimited supply of WNBA head coaches, and the Wings are under increasing pressure to nail this hiring.
Dallas needs someone who can coach a winning team but also help their newest draft pick develop and make a smooth transition to the WNBA. Joining a competitive team as a rookie is not easy.