Amy Okonkwo to Sign New Seven-Day Hardship Deal as Dallas Wings Face Atlanta Dream

Grant AfsethAugust 28, 2025August 28, 2025no comment

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

The Dallas Wings are expected to re-sign forward Amy Okonkwo to a new seven-day hardship contract before Friday’s matchup against the Atlanta Dream, according to a source who told DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Okonkwo, a TCU product who lives in the Dallas area, has been an immediate contributor since joining the team. Through three games, she has averaged 11.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 57.7% from the field.

“I’m local — I live 12 minutes away and train at TCU. I pride myself on staying ready,” Okonkwo said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity, even though it’s tragic that it comes from someone else’s injury. I’m happy I’ve been able to help and hope to keep contributing.”

Her impact has been consistent across all appearances. She opened with eight points in just nine minutes against the Seattle Storm on Aug. 22, added 12 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes against Golden State on Aug. 24, and turned in her strongest performance yet with 14 points, two steals and two assists in 23 minutes against the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 27.

Injury-Depleted Dallas Wings

The Wings’ roster remains in flux due to injuries, with Paige Bueckers (illness) questionable for Friday after being a late scratch against Connecticut. Aziaha James (right ankle) and Haley Jones (right knee) are both doubtful. Luisa Geiselsöder is sidelined with a right shoulder injury after leaving Wednesday’s game early. Tyasha Harris (knee surgery), JJ Quinerly (ACL sprain), and Li Yueru (knee) are all out for the season, while Arike Ogunbowale (knee tendinitis) remains without a timetable.

Head coach Chris Koclanes acknowledged the challenge of piecing together lineups but praised the fight of his group.

“Physical fatigue shows up mentally, and that leads to lapses in the scouting report and breakdowns in execution,” Koclanes said. “It forces us to be sharper about our identity. We can’t look at what we don’t have. We have to look at what we do have, and that’s a group that can still compete.”

Amy Okonkwo’s Spark

Okonkwo has stood out for her energy and vocal presence, attributes that Myisha Hines-Allen said have been vital in recent games.

“She’s been a spark the second she steps on the court,” Hines-Allen said. “Defensively aggressive, smart with her shots, and creating for herself and teammates. She looked like she’s been with us all season.”

Okonkwo also noted that her experience overseas and in different professional settings prepared her for the adaptability the Wings need right now.

“I keep working on my craft and stay a student of the game,” Okonkwo said. “I’m constantly watching basketball, practicing at TCU, getting extra shots or playing in open runs. It’s about continuously working and being ready for the call.”

Even with Dallas’ record and the barrage of injuries, Okonkwo stressed her appreciation for the opportunity and the fans’ support.

“It’s really nice for them to come and support us night in and night out,” Okonkwo said. “We’re going through a lot, but that support really helps.”

The Wings (9-30) travel to Atlanta to face the Dream, who are fighting for playoff position, Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT on ION.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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