The Unrivaled’s inaugural season is just around the corner, and the basketball community is ecstatic. Although there was a dip in excitement after the confirmation of Caitlin Clark’s involvement, or absence thereof, the announcement of two wild-card slots has piqued everyone’s interest once again after the league’s 22-minute stunt. This gives a chance for other big names like A’ja Wilson to later join the new league. But Wilson being a superstar in the WNBA is not the only reason why she should be a part of the 3×3 league and Rachel DeMita explains why.

While explaining Unrivaled’s latest 22-minute video which included roster building and coach selection, DeMita hinted at the two wild cards. While we know one of them is still on hold for Caitlin Clark despite the reports confirming that the reigning WNBA ROTY will not join it, there is another star in the basketball world who is also a No. 22.

Hence, DeMita proposed A’ja Wilson as a wonderful candidate for the wild card entry. Wilson is someone who can garner TRP and a lot of attention. But more than that there could be another reason for the 3x WNBA MVP to be there.

DeMita stated on her YouTube channel, “I feel like A’ja would also be a perfect fit like she’s dating Bam (Adebayo). He’s in Miami, it gives her an excuse to be there. She can go to all his games and also play at the same time. So I feel like that would have been really cute but I don’t know what they are doing. But they are definitely dragging out the anticipation. It’s gonna be interesting.”

Well, the games are intended to be played in Miami. And guess who will be there? Yes, Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat star who is reported to be Wilson’s boyfriend underscored by their multiple sightings together. The fans are ecstatic after learning of A’ja Wilson’s potential arrival.

Just after the roster announcement, ESPN revealed an update on Clark’s status regarding her Unrivaled decision. “Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark will not play in the new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled in its inaugural season, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN on Wednesday,” reported Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer.

Although Rachel DeMita has given a strong signal, it does not appear like A’ja Wilson is available in the offseason. Wait, what? But how?

A’ja Wilson wishes to give her body some rest

The 2x back-to-back champion’s presence in Unrivaled could be historic. But it appears that the Las Vegas Aces star would rather rest throughout the offseason. Some reports have indicated that Wilson wants to stay at home. After winning two WNBA championships in a row and setting records, the icon certainly deserves a break. All of this was claimed by a source at SBJ. The source even claimed that Wilson had already declined the offer of being the wild card.

The source stated, “A’ja just, honestly, she likes to rest her body, she doesn’t want to play year-round. And she’s an outlier of where, just on pure basketball, it’s a 3-on-3 league, it’s not a 5-on-5 league. So that’s one thing. But she’s really busy in the offseason. It just was not a great fit for her.”

Interestingly, the South Carolina alum has also never played internationally, only pointing out the fact that she would rather have phenomenal WNBA seasons with rest-filled offseasons than a year-long grind. Hence, Wilson does not appear to be doing it for money. But it will be interesting to see if she will do it for her followers.

Only time will tell what the 2x WNBA champ will ultimately decide. And whether or not we’ll see her in Unrivaled’s first season where Caitlin Clark has reportedly denied to particpate. In the meantime, stay tuned for more basketball news.