Another Shot at the Dream: Haley Jones Signs with the Dallas Wings After Bumpy Ride
Let’s face it — the WNBA season can be brutal for young players trying to find their footing, and Haley Jones has certainly felt that sting in 2025. After being waived by not one but two teams this season — first the Atlanta Dream in May and more recently the Phoenix Mercury — many would’ve assumed her season was practically over. But Jones? She’s not done yet.
In a surprising but welcome twist, the Dallas Wings have picked up the 24-year-old guard, giving her yet another opportunity to showcase her talent and resilience. It’s a timely move for the Wings, who are dealing with a depleted roster, missing four key players due to injuries and overseas obligations.
📌 Quick Look: Why the Wings Need Her
The Dallas Wings have been hit hard this season:
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Ty Harris is out for the remainder of the season with a tough knee injury.
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Maddy Siegrist is sidelined due to a knee fracture but is expected to return before season’s end.
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Luisa Geiselsöder and Teaira McCowan are currently committed to their national teams and are expected back later this month.
With all that happening, depth is a luxury Dallas just doesn’t have right now — which is why Jones’ signing couldn’t have come at a better time.
Haley Jones: Still in the Game
Let’s rewind a bit. Jones was a first-round pick in the WNBA Draft, a player once hailed for her versatility and elite defensive skills. Her 2023 campaign with the Atlanta Dream saw her play all 40 games, averaging 3.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. Not exactly star numbers, sure — but solid, rotational-level contributions.
This year, things started rougher. After going through training camp with Atlanta and not making the final cut, she had a short stint with the Phoenix Mercury on a hardship contract, where she logged just four games, averaging 2.3 points and 2 rebounds. Not eye-popping numbers, but we’re talking about limited minutes and shifting roles. Now she’s got a fresh slate in Dallas.
🤝 Teaming Up with the Backcourt Stars
What makes her addition particularly intriguing is who she’s joining forces with. The Wings’ backcourt is already loaded with talent — names like:
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Arike Ogunbowale, one of the WNBA’s premier scorers
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Paige Bueckers, the college sensation making waves in her rookie campaign
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DiJonai Carrington, another high-energy, two-way presence
For Jones, being surrounded by this kind of elite backcourt depth can be a blessing — less pressure to create, more chances to play off the ball, defend the perimeter, and showcase her playmaking and hustle.
🚨 But Here’s the Catch…
It’s worth noting that this stint with Dallas might not be long-term. This is very likely a short-term signing, and Jones knows it.
With Geiselsöder and McCowan set to return later this month, the roster crunch is coming. That means Jones’ role on this team could disappear just as quickly as it appeared. This is, in all likelihood, a “make the most of the moment” situation.
But hey — isn’t that what the WNBA is all about for fringe players? Grabbing every minute, every possession, and every opportunity to leave a mark.
🔄 The Return of Kaila Charles
Alongside the Jones signing, the Wings also announced they’re bringing back Kaila Charles on a hardship contract — a familiar face for fans. The Wings waived Charles just days ago, but roster needs called her name again.
Charles, a second-round pick from the 2020 draft, played the first 11 games this season for Dallas, putting up a solid 4.9 points and 3.5 boards per game. Nothing flashy, but in a league like the W, role players matter — and Charles fits that mold. She brings rebounding, defensive grit, and a bit of scoring touch when needed.
Her re-signing is another example of how fast things change in the WNBA — and how readiness can make all the difference.
🌟 Why This Matters
Both Jones and Charles reflect something that’s often overlooked in professional sports: resilience.
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For Jones, the path hasn’t been easy. From being a high draft pick to dealing with back-to-back waivers, she’s endured the mental rollercoaster that comes with being a pro athlete.
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For Charles, it’s about staying ready and trusting that another opportunity will come — even if it means re-signing with a team that just let you go.
These stories may not make national headlines, but they’re the heartbeat of the league. These women fight for their spot every day, and when they finally get a foot in the door again — they kick it wide open.
🎯 What to Watch For
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping their eyes on Jones' minutes. While it's not clear how many games she'll get under her belt in Dallas, there are some key things to look for:
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Does she improve her shooting efficiency? That was one of the knocks on her last season.
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Can she handle backup point guard duties? If Bueckers or Ogunbowale need a breather, Jones could be that stopgap.
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Will her defense shine through? That's always been her calling card, and this is her time to show it can translate in limited minutes.
Final Thoughts: The Door’s Still Open
In the cutthroat world of professional basketball, especially in a league with just 12 teams and tight rosters, players like Haley Jones don’t always get second chances — let alone third ones. But here she is, suiting up again, not giving in to the noise or the odds.
Whether she sticks in Dallas or this is just another brief stop on her journey, one thing is clear: she’s still in the fight, and she’s still betting on herself.
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