Wings' Top Offseason Job Is Keeping Awak Kuier, Says CBS, With Picks 9 and 13 in Hand

Wings fans, the season ended in heartbreak, but CBS Sports just laid out a pretty clear offseason map.

In his Wings breakdown, CBS's Jack Maloney says the top priority is Awak Kuier's restricted free agency. Kuier, 25, became a key piece down the stretch, led the WNBA in blocks per game after the All-Star break at 2.6, and shot 39% from three. Because she's restricted, Dallas can match any offer. Maloney says the Wings have just under $5 million on the books for next season, compared with a 2026 cap of $7 million, so they can keep her at any price, though that would squeeze the rest of the roster unless Alanna Smith or Jessica Shepard gets moved. Maddy Siegrist (restricted) and Alysha Clark (unrestricted) are the other free agents.

The case for adding talent is in the record. Dallas went 27-17, a 17-win jump, but was 20-2 against the seven lottery teams and just 7-15 against the other playoff teams. The Wings don't have a lottery pick this time, but they hold No. 9 and No. 13, the latter from Las Vegas via the NaLyssa Smith trade, plus Nos. 24 and 30. Maloney sees the roster as thin on the wing and names Maryland's Oluchi Okananwa and Ole Miss' Talaysia Cooper as possible fits at No. 9.

He also notes Paige Bueckers scored 27 points on 27 shots over the last two playoff games while dealing with patellar tendinitis in her right knee. Arike Ogunbowale summed up the direction: "I knew we were on the right trajectory when we got Paige."

This is analysis, not a reported move. Keep up with the Dallas Wings all offseason. Radio question: pay Kuier whatever it takes, or keep the cap flexible?

Sources: CBS Sports — What's next for the Wings; WNBA.com — Valkyries 77, Wings 73 recap.