WNBA GMs want Paige Bueckers as player to build around over Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson

[ASFN Admin]

The 2026 WNBA GM Survey results are out, and the results are surprising.

On May 5, the league released the results from its annual survey with front office leadership. The WNBA's 15 general managers answered 42 different questions on everything from the best teams to players to offseason moves and more. General managers were not allowed to vote for their own team or personnel.

Some items, like the Las Vegas Aces being named the favorite to repeat as champions, or current MVP A'ja Wilson being picked to win the award again, fell well within the line of such a survey. Still, there was one noteworthy item.

When asked who they would build a team around, the WNBA GMs collectively voted for 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers as their top choice (33% of votes). Wilson and two-time All-Star and 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark both came in second place, tying at 20%. In 2025, Clark received 50% of the vote.

Here are the remaining results of the WNBA GM survey:

Teams​

Which team will win the 2026 WNBA Finals?​

• Las Vegas – 40%
• New York – 33%
• Atlanta – 27%

2025 choice: Minnesota – 60%

Players​

Who will win the 2026 WNBA MVP?​

• A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 60%
• Breanna Stewart, New York – 27%

Also receiving votes: Caitlin Clark (Indiana); Allisha Gray (Atlanta)

2025 choice: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota – 67%

If starting a franchise today, and you could sign any player, who would it be?​

• Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 33%
• Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20%
• A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 20%
• Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13%

Also receiving votes: Breanna Stewart (New York); Napheesa Collier (Minnesota)

2025 choice: Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 50%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?​

• A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 60%
• Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13%

Also receiving votes: Caitlin Clark (Indiana); Napheesa Collier (Minnesota); Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana); Breanna Stewart (New York)

2025 choice: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 33%

Who is the best point guard in the WNBA?​

• 1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 73%
• 2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20%
• 3. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 7%

2025 choice: Caitlin Clark and Chelsea Gray – 50%

Offseason​

Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?​

• Dallas – 47%
• Atlanta – 33%

Also receiving votes: Chicago; Las Vegas; New York

2025 choice: Indiana – 64%

Which player acquisition will make the biggest impact?​

• Angel Reese, Atlanta – 27%
• Gabby Williams, Golden State 27%
• Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles – 20%
• Satou Sabally, New York – 13%

Also receiving votes: Marina Mabrey (Toronto); Skylar Diggins (Chicago)

2025 choice: Alyssa Thomas – 50%

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?​

• Satou Sabally, New York - 23%
• Angel Reese, Chicago – 15%
• Alanna Smith, Dallas – 15%

Also receiving votes: Bridget Carleton (Portland); Skylar Diggins (Chicago); Rickea Jackson (Chicago); Marina Mabrey (Toronto); Jacy Sheldon (Chicago); Brittney Sykes (Toronto)

2025 choice: DeWanna Bonner – 33%

Rookies and International players​

Who will win the 2026 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year?​

• Olivia Miles, Minnesota – 73%
• Azzi Fudd, Dallas – 20%
• Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 7%

2025 choice: Paige Bueckers – 73%

Coaches​

Who is the best head coach in the WNBA?​

• Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 53%
• Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 40%
• Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 7%

2025 choice: Cheryl Reeve – 83%

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA GMs want Paige Bueckers to build around over Caitlin Clark

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