DALLAS — The Dallas Wings’ No. 1 pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, Azzi Fudd, won’t play again this season, as the club picked up a former Phoenix Mercury guard to stabilize its backcourt.
The Dallas Wings have signed guard Kitija Laksa to a rest-of-season contract.
With Wings rookie guard Azzi Fudd sidelined for the remainder of the season, Dallas was granted a Season-Ending Injury Exception from the WNBA, allowing the signing of Laksa. pic.twitter.com/aH1nx1GwPS
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 25, 2026
The team announced it signed guard Kitija Laksa to a rest-of-season contract, receiving a season-ending injury exception from the league to complete the signing due to Fudd’s injury. Laksa is no stranger to the WNBA, making her league debut with Phoenix last season.
The Seattle Storm previously drafted Laksa in the 2020 draft as the No. 11 overall pick but didn’t appear in a single game. After spending several seasons playing overseas, she signed with Phoenix ahead of the 2025 season.
Jun 11, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) shoots a free throw against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Laksa appeared in 33 games, including five starts, and averaged 5.9 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.6 assists. Laksa became a key piece for the Mercury early in the season as the team dealt with injuries to several of its star players.
The guard’s best scoring performance came against the Chicago Sky on May 27, 2025, when she scored 18 points in a 94-89 victory. She also had a 14-point performance against Dallas on June 11, 2025.
Jul 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa (9) shoots against the Minnesota Lynx in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
As injured players returned and the Mercury made their push toward the postseason, Laksa’s role in the rotation began to dwindle. Phoenix ultimately lost her in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft, when the Toronto Tempo selected her with the 21st overall pick. She was waived by Toronto on May 7, ending her short stint with the league’s newest franchise.
Now, Laksa returns to the WNBA and Dallas, where she briefly signed in 2023 but never appeared in a game. This time, she gets another opportunity with a familiar organization and a chance to fill a need created by Fudd’s injury.
Jun 11, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) scores a three-point basket against Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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