Former No. 1 College Basketball Recruit Joins Paige Bueckers on WNBA Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 12:27 PM ET

WNBA teams around the league have seen changes to their rosters during the first quarter of the season.

As teams continue to make the necessary moves to form their championship rosters, the Dallas Wings made some noise.

On Tuesday, the Wings announced that they have signed Kaila Charles and Haley Jones to hardship contracts. The ensuing move came after Dallas lost Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsoder, who will be taking some time in the WNBA season to play overseas for their respective national teams.

The addition of Jones is an interesting move for Dallas. She's proven to have the ability to contribute at a high level, once viewed as a consistent starter, but hasn't been able to find a long-term home.

"Welcome to Dallas, Haley!" posted the official social media account of the Dallas Wings. "Haley Jones has been signed to a hardship contract."

Welcome to Dallas, Haley!

Haley Jones has been signed to a hardship contract. pic.twitter.com/PwKEzR1FWj
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) June 17, 2025

Jones is currently in her third season in the WNBA. She played for the Atlanta Dream in 2023 and 2024, starting 24 of 40 games for Atlanta in 2024.

Jones has also played with the Phoenix Mercury this season. During her four-game stretch with Phoenix, Jones averaged 2.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

In her three-year WNBA career, Jones has posted 3.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Haley Jones was once ranked as the No. 1 college basketball recruit, predicted to have a promising career in women's basketball. After committing to Stanford as the No. 1 overall recruit, Jones led the Cardinals to the national title in the 2020-21 season.

Jones will be joining another national champion in Dallas. Wings rookie Paige Bueckers leads the show in Dallas, averaging 17.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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