Wings winning Paige Bueckers lottery should completely change Satou Sabally's tune

The Dallas Wings won the draft lottery on Nov. 17, and it was not just any victory. The prize was the right to draft Paige Bueckers, a generational prospect out of UConn. She had a heated rivalry with Caitlin Clark in college and figures to instantly be one of the most popular players in the W. Her future teammate Arike Ogunbowale was beyond excited and everyone involved knows it could be franchise-altering.

Bueckers has one more season of NCAA eligibility, but is projected to come to the W next season. She is averaging 21.3 points, 4.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 steals to begin her senior season at UConn and has accomplished everything at the college level, except winning a national title.

Getting Paige was massive and may help Dallas immediately jump into contention. Bueckers will be ready to make a positive impact from day one, and it opens the door for the franchise to keep Satou Sabally. Fans saw her flirting with the Fever on social media, but the Wings have their young guard ready to lift the franchise after Sunday’s draft lottery.

Satou Sabally should return to the Dallas Wings after winning 2025 WNBA Draft lottery

Sabally is one of the best forwards in the W. She was first-team All-WNBA and finished fifth in MVP voting in 2023 as the Wings reached the second round of the playoffs. Dallas was projected to be in playoff contention last season before injuries derailed them. The Wings have made changes, including adding Curt Miller as general manager. Keeping Sabally and adding Bueckers to partner with Ogunbowale would give Dallas an instant Big 3.

Bueckers is an elite shooter and scorer who may be best as a secondary creator. Ogunbowale will get buckets, but having a third capable initiator and ball-handler in Sabally would do wonders for the Wings. They would instantly be one of the most feared trios in the league and could lead Dallas on an instant playoff run.

Sabally was a restricted free agent before the 2024 season but signed just a one-year deal with the Wings. She is unrestricted this offseason, but Dallas can core her. They would be wise to take that chance. It gives them exclusive negotiating rights and ensures they get something for Sabally even if she wants to be traded to another franchise.

With Bueckers and Ogunbowale drawing the defense and creating plays, Sabally will get more open looks than ever. Fans know the 6’4 forward can be a force from anywhere and has already led Dallas on a playoff run. This is the perfect opportunity and saves her the headache of adjusting to a new franchise and a fresh city.

Paige Bueckers will make the Dallas Wings a title contender in short order. It could be 2025 if Satou Sabally changes her mind and opts to stay. Every player will be looking for a one-year contract with the cap expected to rise in 2026. Even if it lasts just one season, the entire WNBA should be on notice. Winning the lottery was game-changing for the Wings, and teams cannot underestimate their potential and firepower. They will be a problem with Paige, but a serious contender if Sabally stays.