Overview
- The league’s annual GM survey, released Tuesday, named Dallas guard Paige Bueckers the top player to build around with 33 percent of the vote, with Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson tied for second at 20 percent.
- Bueckers’ edge reflects durability and recent output after a 36‑game Rookie of the Year season, while Clark’s 2025 groin and ankle issues limited her to 13 games and weighed on evaluations.
- GMs also backed the Las Vegas Aces as preseason title favorites, and the survey showed no Finals votes for Clark’s Indiana Fever.
- Indiana trimmed to the 12‑player limit by waiving guards Megan McConnell, Jessica Timmons and Kayana Traylor, and the team says Clark is healthy for Saturday’s May 9 home opener against Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.
- This snapshot arrives as a new March CBA boosts salaries and the cap and the league expands to 15 teams, raising the stakes for long‑term planning that favors availability and sustained production.