The Dallas Wings' first offseason priority is keeping a 6-foot-6 forward who blocks shots and makes threes.
General manager Curt Miller told The IX Sports that bringing back Awak Kuier, who enters restricted free agency, is "absolutely" at the top of the list. "She's a priority," Miller said in the interview, published Friday. "Restricted free agency gives some of the incumbent team some advantages in negotiations, but obviously there'll be a lot of interest in Awak."
Kuier finished first in the league in block percentage, made 50% of her shots and was just under 40% from three, according to Miller, who described her as the top rim protector in the WNBA. She is the club's top player not already under contract for 2027.
A turnaround with an unfinished ending
Dallas went 27-17 under first-year coach Jose Fernandez, after records of 10-34 in 2025 and 9-31 in 2024. Paige Bueckers placed sixth in the MVP race and Jessica Shepard was named Most Improved Player. The season ended in Game 3 of a first-round series at Golden State, where the Wings led by 16 in the second half before losing 77-73.
Arike Ogunbowale had scored 45 in the Game 2 win at home to force the decider.
"Really excited about what we did, but not satisfied," Miller said, noting that his team led an elimination game with under two minutes left. The Valkyries have since swept Las Vegas and open the WNBA Finals against Atlanta on Saturday.
Where the roster has to improve
Miller identified defense as the main growth area. The Wings ranked sixth in defensive rating, behind five playoff teams, and gave up 104 points in their playoff opener, The IX reported. On the other end, Dallas was fourth in offensive rating and led the league in assists per game. Miller pointed to Fernandez's offensive mind and his after-timeout play calls as reasons the first-year coach found success quickly.
