The Dallas Wings started preparing for the 2026 season. The team has 15 games remaining in the season, but with the chances of qualifying for the postseason fading away, they are preparing for the future. While they added injured Karlie Samuelson via trade, the franchise will support her rehab process.
The side recently acquired the forward from the Lynx in a trade for DiJonai Carrington. But the star was already ruled out for a season following a left-foot injury.
Dallas Wings To Provide For Karlie Samuelson’s Rehab
The seven-year veteran was a surprise trade chip for Carrington, who worked as a make-weight in the trade. While she was out for the season, the Wings had no choice but to waive the player and free up a roster spot, allowing them to sign a player. However, the side will take care of the former Stanford player, providing her with medical support for rehab.
Karlie Samuelson underwent surgery in July and will start her rehab with the Dallas medical staff now. This rehab process will also include training support, which will mostly focus on her mobility.
Interestingly, the player will be an unrestricted free agent after the conclusion of the 2025 season, allowing teams to offer her a contract for the 2026 season. Samuelson averaged 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game for the Lynx in 16 games played.
Karlie Samuelson’s Career Graph
From going undrafted to landing with a championship contender team, the Stanford star’s journey in the league has seen every high and low. The Los Angeles Sparks signed her in 2018, where she made her playoff debut. While her season was cut short due to a leg injury, the Wings later signed her on a training contract with her sister Katie Lou Samuelson. Sadly, neither could make it to the main roster at the start of the season.
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The LA side showed trust in the forward again in 2021, but she was mainly used as a trade chip. She moved between the Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics and later traded to the Minnesota Lynx in 2025. Her career-best season was 2024, with the player averaging 8.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the Mystics. The 2024 WNBA finalists, the Lynx, added her to provide depth at the forward position. But limited game time halted her progress.
With 121 games played so far in the league, Samuelson averages 5.3 points, two rebounds, and one assist. The star worked hard to earn a more active role as multiple injuries hampered her game.
As for the Wings, they will face the New York Liberty next on August 5 at the Barclays Center.
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