Paige Bueckers had plenty to say about her former teammates’ new destinations, and she did so with a smile.
The Dallas Wings rookie guard kept things upbeat after hearing that DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith would no longer be sharing the court. Despite her own team’s struggles to snap a losing streak in the final stretch of the season, Bueckers expressed genuine respect for both players.
Paige Bueckers Keeps It Classy
Paige Bueckers spoke warmly about the bond she shared with her former teammates, DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith, saying they “kind of adopted” her during her rookie year.
“I love those guys,” Bueckers said. “They became like big sisters to me—always welcoming me, embracing my personality, even my annoyingness. I looked up to them for advice, and I miss them. I know this is a business, but our relationship will always stay the same.”
Carrington responded in kind on social media, tweeting, “our babygirl forever fr fr.” The two now play for teams headed in opposite directions—Carrington’s Minnesota Lynx are riding a three-game win streak at 25-5, while Bueckers’ Dallas Wings sit at 8-22. Smith’s Las Vegas Aces are hovering just above .500 at seventh in the Western Conference, having won two straight, though her individual production has been limited this season.
Bueckers will reunite with Carrington on September 1 in Minneapolis for what promises to be an emotional first matchup between the two since the trade.
As for her own season, Bueckers is on track to secure the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and continues to emerge as the face of the Wings franchise. She noted that her communication and leadership have grown significantly.
“I think the way I try to make everyone around me better, be a voice, and call huddles—I’ve gotten more confident in leading,” she said. “Even though I’m a rookie, we all just want to win, so everyone’s voice matters.”
Dallas will try to snap its skid Friday night when it faces the New York Liberty at 7:30 p.m. ET.
