archivePaige Bueckers

The Dallas Wings have re-signed center Awak Kuier for the 2026 WNBA season, the team announced. The 6-foot-6 center returns to Dallas after three seasons playing professionally in Europe, rejoining the franchise that made her the first player from Finland to appear in the WNBA in 2021. General manager Curt...

DHJ Quick Take: The Power of Continuity The Melo Endorsement: On his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Carmelo Anthony didn't mince words—he views pairing Azzi Fudd with Paige Bueckers as an essential move for Dallas. He argues that their years of chemistry at UConn provide a level of backcourt continuity that...

DHJ Quick Take: Jessica Shepard to Join Dallas Wings The Notre Dame Connection: Reuniting Jessica Shepard and Arike Ogunbowale isn't just a nostalgia play—it's a tactical one. The duo led the Fighting Irish to the 2018 NCAA title, and their shared history provides the "connective tissue" Curt Miller has prioritized...

DHJ Quick Take: Arike Ogunbowale Re-Signs with Dallas Wings Investing in the Vision: While eligible for the historic $1.4 million supermax, Arike Ogunbowale opted for a lower figure to preserve cap space. This financial flexibility is the engine behind Curt Miller’s aggressive offseason, allowing the Wings to navigate a $7...

DHJ Quick Take: The Evolution of Awak Kuier Elite Two-Way Growth: Awak Kuier returns to Arlington as a completely different player than the 19-year-old prospect who left in 2023. Fresh off being named a EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year finalist with Galatasaray, the 6-foot-6 Finnish center averaged 12.8 points...

DHJ Quick Take: Flexibility is the New Currency The Financial Gambit: This move is a textbook "salary dump" designed for the new $7 million cap era. By swapping Diamond Miller ($536,588) for Rayah Marshall ($277,500), Curt Miller immediately clears $259,088 in space. Because Marshall’s deal is unprotected, Dallas could potentially...

DHJ Quick Take: Securing Rotation Depth The Frontcourt Anchor: By retaining Li Yueru, the Wings secure a 6-foot-7 "stretch post" whose three-point shooting (36.4%) and interior defense became vital following the trade from Seattle. With Luisa Geiselsöder now in Portland, Yueru’s presence ensures Dallas has a proven veteran to pair...

DHJ Quick Take: The Decision at No. 1 Overall The Miles Momentum: Olivia Miles has surged to the top of draft boards following a historic senior season at TCU, where she averaged nearly a triple-double in the NCAA tournament. Her elite court vision and playmaking have led evaluators to view...

DHJ Quick Take: Securing the Foundation The Core Clause: By placing the core designation on Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings have secured exclusive negotiating rights for their all-time leading scorer. Under the new WNBA CBA, this is the final year Dallas can use this tool on Ogunbowale, ensuring the franchise maintains...

DHJ Quick Take The Strategic Gambit: Protecting Arike Ogunbowale isn't just about loyalty; it’s about asset management. Leaving her exposed to Portland or Toronto results in losing a franchise cornerstone for zero return. The "Unifier" Dynamic: GM Curt Miller and Coach Jose Fernandez view the pairing of Paige Bueckers and...