“She Has Great Energy”: Kaila Charles, Haley Jones Join Dallas Wings as Li Yueru Adds Frontcourt Boost [Exclusive]
The Dallas Wings have signed guard-forwards Kaila Charles and Haley Jones to hardship contracts, the team announced Tuesday. Both players participated in the team’s shootaround at College Park Center and will be available for the Wings’ home game against the Golden State Valkyries.
Dallas qualified for a hardship exemption after falling below the league minimum of 10 available players due to injuries to Tyasha Harris and Maddy Siegrist, along with the absences of Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder, who are competing in EuroBasket.
Charles returns to Dallas just three days after being waived. She appeared in the first 11 games of the 2025 season, averaging a career-high 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. A former second-round pick by the Connecticut Sun in 2020, she has played 67 career WNBA games with the Sun, Atlanta Dream, Seattle Storm, and now the Wings.
“Just the opportunity—simple as that,” Charles told DallasHoopsJournal.com after shootaround. “I’ve been enjoying my time here. I’ve been out of the league for a few years, so I needed this year to get back in and get reacclimated. I’m glad that regardless of how the situation goes, I have another chance to play, do what I love, and hopefully establish my name more in the WNBA.”
She added that her production this season has affirmed her confidence.
“I know that I belong here,” Charles told DallasHoopsJournal.com . “I’ve played, I’ve performed, I’ve made an impact for the team. Just because of whatever situation—financial, administrative—that was out of my control doesn’t take away from what I’m capable of.”
Jones joins the Wings after playing four games with the Phoenix Mercury earlier this season on a hardship deal. She was released on June 8 following the return of Alyssa Thomas and Natasha Mack. Previously, she spent her first two seasons with the Dream and earned AP All-Rookie Team honors in 2023. Over 84 career games, the Stanford alum has averaged 3.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
“I’m really excited to be here—blessed to have the opportunity to come and play,” Jones told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “They’re a great team, and just being able to be a part of them putting it all together still. I’m excited to impact the game in any way I can.”
With multiple key players unavailable, she anticipates stepping into a flexible role.
“Wherever I can fill in—hopefully make an impact,” Jones told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think a big thing is they want me to come in and playmake, especially from the wing or even from the post if I’m at the four. Just being a matchup nightmare is what I think they really want from me.”
The Wings also recently added 6-foot-7 center Li Yueru in a trade with the Seattle Storm to bolster their depleted frontcourt. Charles praised her early presence in the gym.
“She has great energy,” Charles told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She’s 6’7″, an interior presence who can stretch the floor. I think she’s very mobile. I’ve just met her, but I can already feel that energy. She works hard, and I think she’s a great addition to the team who’s going to help us be even better.”
The transition comes quickly, but Jones said she already feels comfortable.
“Shoot—everything. Names, terminology, where the locker room is,” Jones told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “But everybody’s been really welcoming. It’s been great so far.”
Charles also noted the positivity within the group, despite recent challenges.
“It hurts to see some of our teammates sidelined—Ty out, Maddy out,” Charles told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “But that’s how the game goes. We just have to adjust and keep working hard. It’s good to have Paige [Bueckers] back and most of our guards back. Hopefully, we’ll get our posts soon and be closer to full strength.”
The Wings enter Tuesday’s game having lost five straight and eight of their last nine. Tip-off against the Valkyries is set for 7:00 p.m. CT at College Park Center.
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