Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Paige Bueckers WNBA Draft Projection – Where Will Paige Bueckers Go?

Paige Bueckers is highly likely to be the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers is undisputedly one of the most talented players of the current collegiate basketball scene. Bueckers is a household name in college basketball and is most likely to be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. Bueckers was a No. 1 recruit who joined the Huskies in 2020 and averaged 20 points per game.

It didn’t take her much time to make a mark for herself, and she went on to become the National Player of the Year as a freshman. While Bueckers would have already become the next big thing by now in the WNBA, a few things interrupted her. Bueckers sustained multiple injuries, and was out of her sophomore season due to an ankle surgery and a fracture.

She had to miss her 2022-23 season with a torn ACL in her left knee, which undoubtedly halted her rise. Later, Iowa star Caitlin Clark came along and went on to become the most popular collegiate star. Not only this, but Bueckers’ team failed to make its mark in the NCAA Tournament, having won their previous national title in 2016. While the Huskies reached three Final Fours before this year, they couldn’t reach on top.

However, her decision to return to the Huskies and taking advantage of her extra year of eligibility proved right for them. The 23-year-old guided the side to its first national championship in eight years, marking her first title with the program. UConn took down the Gamecocks 82-59 in the championship game, and the game saw Bueckers scoring 17 points and six rebounds.

Bueckers is often regarded as the next big name in the WNBA, and as she enters the 2025 Draft, all eyes will be on her. While most franchises would want to acquire her, let’s see which team holds the highest chances to have her on board.

Also Read: 2025 WNBA Draft – What is the WNBA Draft Order for 2025?

Paige Bueckers WNBA Draft Projection

Paige Bueckers completed one of the greatest collegiate careers ever, as she led UConn to its first national title since 2016. If Bueckers ends up becoming the first overall draft, she will be the sixth Connecticut player joining the likes of Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), and Breanna Stewart (2016).

Bueckers scored 30+ points in three consecutive games which includes a career-high 40-point performance in the Elite Eight. For the forthcoming WNBA Draft, the Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 overall pick in the draft lottery.

It means that Buekcers will most likely end with them. Earlier there were reports that Bueckers doesn’t want to go to the Wings and preferred to join the Los Angeles Sparks. However, recently, she confirmed that there is nowhere in particular that she would like to end up.

How Much Money Is Paige Bueckers Making?

Paige Bueckers, often known as ‘Paige Buckets’ for her scoring abilities, has become a familiar name off late. Her popularity and success have significantly boosted her net worth and as per reports by On3, she has a net worth of $1.4 million.

The WNBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which will expire after the 2025 season. According to it, she will make $78,831 in the 2025 season, which is $765 more than what the Indiana Fever star, Caitlin Clark, will make in 2025.

Not only this, but for the remaining seasons, she will make $80,408 in her second season (2026), $88,449 in 2027, and then $100,510 in 2028 if her team picks up her option.

Also Read: Who are Paige Bueckers’ Parents?

Connecticut Huskies

Dallas Wings

Paige Bueckers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.