Amid an injury crisis, the Dallas Wings signed Christyn Williams and re-signed Amy Okonkwo to strengthen their roster. The Wings are facing a challenging period, with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
Dallas Wings Strengthen Roster with Pair of Hardship Signings
Williams, Okonkwo Join Wings On Hardship Contract
Former UConn star Christyn Williams has joined the Wings on an hardship contract. The Washington Mystics drafted the 25-year-old 14th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft, but a knee injury kept her out of her rookie season. She has since had brief stints with the Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx but did not secure a long-term spot on a roster. This signing marks her return to the WNBA.
Williams’ addition also reunites her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers. This familiarity could help Williams adjust quickly and contribute to the team. Her college career showed her to be a strong scorer and a reliable defender, skills the Wings hope will translate to the professional level. With injuries limiting the team’s options, Williams’ signing gives Dallas a valuable guard who can handle the ball and create scoring chances.
On the other hand, Amy Okonkwo has been re-signed to a second seven-day hardship contract. Okonkwo, a Nigerian forward, has proven herself in international competition as a two-time FIBA AfroBasket champion and MVP. She has also played professionally in Europe, bringing experience and a polished skill set to the Wings. Okonkwo’s time with the team has shown her to be versatile, contributing both offensively and defensively. Her presence will help stabilize the Wings’ forward rotation while other players recover from injuries.
The 29-year-old’s scoring ability and defensive versatility make her an important asset during this challenging time. She can stretch the floor with her shooting, guard multiple positions, and provide veteran leadership on the court. Having a player like Okonkwo available is a significant boost for the Wings as they continue to struggle with depth.
Wings Expected To Avoid Forfeit as Williams, Okonkwo Set to Play
Both Williams and Okonkwo are expected to play in the Wings’ upcoming game against the Atlanta Dream Friday. This will be a test for the team as they try to stay competitive despite their injury setbacks. The Wings hope that these roster moves will allow them to maintain a strong performance and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Wings currently have eight players on the injury report. When the report was first released on Thursday, only five players were expected to be available. WNBA teams need at least eight active players to play a game. After the Wings signed the pair on Friday morning, they now have eight players available, with Bueckers reportedly ready for tonight after missing Wednesday’s game. Haley Jones and Aziaha James, however, remain out with injuries. Dallas expects to avoid a forfeit; however, officials will base the final update on the injury reports for Bueckers, Jones, and James before the game.
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