With the WNBA trade deadline approaching on August 7th, many teams remain engaged in the hunt for playoff spots, including 10 of the 14 still competing for postseason positioning. As a result, trade activity is expected to pick up, with franchises aiming to improve their rosters before the cutoff.
Among the proposals aiming to shake up the league is a notable Caitlin Clark WNBA trade proposal from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton that involves the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever.
Pelton’s Suggested Swap: Hines-Allen for Dantas and Draft Pick
Kevin Pelton has suggested the Dallas Wings consider sending forward Myisha Hines-Allen to the Indiana Fever in exchange for veteran Damiris Dantas and a 2026 second-round draft pick. This proposed trade aims to address several needs on both sides, including enhancing court spacing and adding experience to the Wings’ youthful roster.
Pelton notes that Hines-Allen
“could plausibly be on the move midseason again,”
as she lost her starting position in late June. Dallas also awaits the return of forward Maddy Siegrist, who suffered an anterolateral tibial plateau fracture but is
“expected to make a full recovery and return to the Wings lineup later this season.”
Evaluating the Potential Impact of the Trade
Hines-Allen was brought in by Dallas during the offseason to serve as a reliable floor spacer and forward, but this campaign has marked one of her poorest shooting seasons. Her three-point shooting has declined to 30% this year, down from a consistent career average of 35%. Pelton emphasized,
“After shooting 36% on 3s last season, split between the Mystics and Lynx, Hines-Allen is down to 30% this season. Since Hines-Allen is a career 35% shooter, improvement should be expected. Even that down season from Hines-Allen has been better beyond the arc than Dantas, shooting 26.5% (34% career but just 31% since 2021).”
Meanwhile, Damiris Dantas brings veteran presence to the Wings, having been a solid contributor in the league for several years. Her current statistics average 4.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, highlighting her role as a role player rather than a primary scorer. This level of experience could provide stabilizing leadership for the relatively young Wings squad as they pursue playoff success.
Significance and Outlook Ahead of the Deadline
This proposed Caitlin Clark WNBA trade proposal reflects the strategic adjustments teams are preparing as they approach the deadline. For Dallas, acquiring a seasoned veteran and a future draft pick could balance their squad and support the integration of emerging stars like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark herself. With key players returning from injury and the contest for playoff berths intensifying, such moves may prove pivotal.
Fans and analysts alike will closely monitor the developments leading to August 7th, as any last-minute deals could reshape the WNBA’s competitive landscape for the remainder of the season and beyond.