I can’t believe I’m even writing this article.
Te-Hina Paopao has been one of the better developmental stories on the Atlanta Dream roster. She came into the league with a reputation as an elite shooter and has continued to grow her game every season. She’s a player teammates love, coaches trust, and fans have embraced.
So before anyone gets upset, let me make one thing clear:
I’m not saying the Dream should trade Te-Hina Paopao.
What I am saying is that Atlanta may eventually have to ask itself a difficult question.
Is Te-Hina Paopao part of the long-term future, or is she one of the team’s most valuable trade assets?
It’s a conversation that becomes more relevant with every passing game.
The emergence of Isobel Borlase, the development of Indya Nivar, and the looming financial reality of eventually paying Angel Reese all make this worth discussing.
Why The Dream Might Consider It
The biggest reason this conversation exists is because of roster construction.
The Dream have done an excellent job building young talent.
That’s usually a good thing.
The problem is eventually those players need minutes.
And right now, there simply aren’t enough to go around.
Atlanta has:
- Te-Hina Paopao
- Isobel Borlase
- Indya Nivar
- Rhyne Howard
- Allisha Gray
- Jordin Canada
all competing for backcourt and wing opportunities.
At some point, the organization may need to decide which players represent the future and which players can be used to improve the roster elsewhere.
That brings us back to Paopao.
The Case For Trading Paopao
1. Isobel Borlase Is Emerging
This is probably the biggest factor.
Over the last several games, Borlase has looked like one of Atlanta’s most exciting young players.
She has shown:
- Three-level scoring
- Shot creation
- Playmaking ability
- Size at the guard position
Most importantly, she has shown flashes of being a player who can create offense on her own.
That’s an extremely valuable skill in the WNBA.
As Borlase continues to develop, Paopao’s role could naturally shrink.
If Atlanta believes Borlase has a higher ceiling, it may make sense to prioritize her development moving forward.
2. Recoup Draft Assets
The Angel Reese trade was absolutely worth it.
I’d make that deal again every single day.
But the reality is Atlanta gave up significant draft capital to acquire her.
That means the Dream need to be creative when it comes to talent acquisition.
If another team views Paopao as a young starting-caliber guard, Atlanta could potentially recoup a first-round pick.
That matters.
Draft picks are one of the cheapest ways to acquire talent in the WNBA.
For a team that may eventually be operating against cap constraints, having cost-controlled young players becomes increasingly important.
3. Allow Young Players To Develop
One of the biggest challenges facing Atlanta is finding minutes for everyone.
Indya Nivar has shown legitimate potential.
Borlase continues to improve.
Even players deeper on the roster need opportunities.
The only way young players improve is by playing.
If the Dream want to fully evaluate what they have in some of their younger talent, they may eventually need to clear a pathway for additional minutes.
Trading Paopao would certainly accomplish that.
4. The Angel Reese Extension Is Coming
This may be the biggest long-term factor.
Right now, Angel Reese is one of the best values in basketball.
That won’t last forever.
Eventually, Reese is going to get paid.
And she deserves to.
When that day comes, Atlanta may have to make difficult financial decisions.
Every championship contender eventually does.
Moving a valuable young player before those decisions arrive could help Atlanta stay ahead of the curve.
The Case Against Trading Paopao
1. She’s One of the Best Values on the Roster
This is the strongest argument against a trade.
Paopao is still on a rookie contract.
For a player making less than $300,000, she provides tremendous value.
She can shoot.
She can defend.
She understands the system.
She contributes without needing the ball.
Those players are incredibly valuable.
In fact, they’re often more valuable than their contracts suggest.
Trading away affordable production is rarely ideal.
2. She’s Built for Karl Smesko’s System
If there is one player on the roster who feels tailor-made for Karl Smesko’s offense, it’s Te-Hina Paopao.
She stretches the floor.
She moves without the ball.
She makes quick decisions.
She thrives in space.
Everything about her game fits what Smesko wants to accomplish offensively.
Players who fit a coach’s system that well aren’t easy to replace.
3. Her Trade Value May Be Lower Than Expected
Timing matters.
And right now, Paopao is going through a cold stretch.
While she’s still a valuable player, her market value may not be as high as it would have been earlier.
Selling low on a talented young player is rarely a winning strategy.
If Atlanta ever did consider moving her, they would need to be confident they were receiving fair value in return.
Otherwise, holding onto her may be the smarter decision.
So What Would I Do?
If I’m the Atlanta Dream today, I’m not actively shopping Te-Hina Paopao.
But I’m listening.
That’s the difference.
I wouldn’t trade her just to trade her.
I wouldn’t move her for a second-round pick or a marginal upgrade.
However, if a team offered a first-round pick or a young player who fills a bigger long-term need, I would absolutely consider it.
The emergence of Isobel Borlase changes the equation.
The development of Indya Nivar changes the equation.
The future Angel Reese contract changes the equation.
All of those factors matter.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t an easy discussion because Te-Hina Paopao has been a really good player for the Atlanta Dream.
She fits the system.
She provides value.
She helps the team win.
But great organizations don’t just think about today.
They think about tomorrow.
The Dream have a unique opportunity to get ahead of future roster decisions before they’re forced to make them.
That doesn’t mean they should trade Paopao.
But it does mean they should at least explore the possibility.
Because while trading Te-Hina Paopao might hurt in the short term, it could potentially help Atlanta build a championship contender for years to come.
That’s what makes this conversation so difficult.
And that’s exactly why it’s worth having.
