Monday’s clash between the Dallas Wings and the Minnesota Lynx could not have been more one-sided. Dallas briefly held a 7–3 advantage in the opening minutes, but that was the only time they led the contest. From there, Cheryl Reeve’s side went from strength to strength, torching the Wings with a staggering 55.4 percent shooting accuracy and burying 14 of 24 shots from deep. The result handed Dallas their 32nd loss of the season. But through the chaos, one Wings player stood tall: Paige Bueckers (of course).

In front of her home crowd in Minnesota, the rookie refused to back down, dropping 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting. For Dallas, she was the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable night. What followed off the court, however, may prove to be the bigger story. Bueckers has long carried the weight of being Minnesota’s hometown hero. She grew up idolizing Lindsay Whalen and Maya Moore, often calling herself the Lynx’s “biggest fan.” Monday’s performance in her hometown was another reminder of why fans believe she belongs in Minnesota colors. But sadly for Minnesota faithful, this move won’t be possible at least until 2029.

Paige Bueckers is locked into a four-year rookie deal with the Dallas Wings. She is set to earn $78K in 2025, $80K in 2026, and $88K in 2027. For 2028, the Wings hold a club option worth $100K. If the team exercises that option, Bueckers’ total rookie earnings will reach $348K. This means she will only hit restricted free agency in 2029, which is the earliest point Minnesota fans can realistically hope for her homecoming. But that is not stopping them from dreaming already.

Minnesota fans rally for Paige Bueckers to return home

Lynx fans quickly flooded social media, urging the Minnesota native to “come home”. WNBA reporter Patrick Borzi praised the way Wings rookie held herself on the court. “Fascinating to see how comfortable Paige Bueckers looks on the floor, whether she’s making a play, directing teammates, or chatting up the refs. Carries herself like a ten-year pro who’s seen it all. Rare for a rookie,” he wrote. This analysis of his was picked up by fans, with one writing back, “Just think how comfortable she’ll be at Target Center when the Lynx sign her in 2 or 3 years!!”

One fan wrote on X, “Paige Bueckers, you are going to look great in a Lynx Rebel edition jersey.” The idea of Bueckers donning a jersey alongside Napheesa Collier, under the watchful eye of Cheryl Reeve, has sparked a frenzy among supporters. However, it won’t be the first time it happens, if it eventually happens. The trio has shared the court recently during the 2025 All-Star game, when Cheryl Reeve coached Team Collier, with Napheesa Collier and Paige Bueckers alongside her.

However, fans are starting to imagine this happening in the W. “Imagine Paige operating pick and roll with Phee,” a fan wrote, expressing their desire for the point guard-forward combination between the two. Fun Fact: Collier and Bueckers were part of Team USA that competed at the World Beach Games in Doha in 2019, showing that the duo have pre-existing on-court chemistry.

While Collier and Bueckers once shared the court as teammates, Minnesota fans are now dreaming of a bigger reunion; this time with Bueckers in a Lynx jersey. “Paige’s passing would fit in perfectly with this Lynx squad,” one fan remarked, echoing a growing sentiment online. Even head coach Cheryl Reeve has already signaled her approval of the rookie.

Despite the Minnesota faithful’s wishes, it is unlikely that Paige Bueckers will come ‘back home’. The Wings see her as a future superstar and the face of the franchise for years to come, making any future trade almost impossible. But stranger things have happened in the world of basketball. So, you never know…