Awak Kuier’s season averages of 6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1.8 blocks per game look modest—at first glance. It’s beyond impressive that she blocked almost two shots per game while not even averaging 20 minutes. Moreover, you don’t see a lot of 6’6” players who shoot 39% from behind the arc and can play minutes at the small forward position.
It may have been Kuier’s fourth season in the W, but she is still only 25 years old and just scratching the surface. She is one of the WNBA’s most exciting defensive players, and there’s plenty of potential for offensive growth as well.
Kuier may not be a superstar, but her length, 3-point shot, athleticism, and defense make her the perfect role player for pretty much any team in the W. For example, the Indiana Fever would love to have her next to Aliyah Boston to make up for their lack of perimeter defense. She would also be a fun answer to the Minnesota Lynx’s lack of size or the one player who could make the Golden State Valkyries’ defense more terrifying than it already is. Just imagine if the Seattle Storm could slot Kuier in as their small forward next to Awa Fam and Dominque Malonga—or the defensive menace Washington would be with Kuier next to Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Shakira Austin.
Those are just a few teams that could use Kuier. She may end up being the most sought-after free agent other than the four stars hitting unrestricted free agency in Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Mitchell, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum—and rightfully so. Kuier is a fascinating talent and could be a big part of the Dallas Wings’ efforts to build a contender around Paige Bueckers.
Awak Kuier’s free agent status could spell trouble for the Wings
Kuier is a restricted free agent, which means the Dallas Wings can match any offer sheet she signs with another team and retain her. For example, Shakira Austin signed a max offer sheet with the Toronto Tempo last offseason as a restricted free agent fresh off her rookie deal. The Washington Mystics matched the offer, gave Austin a three-year max contract, and didn’t regret a single penny they spent.
So, since Kuier is a restricted free agent, the Wings have a good chance of re-signing her despite the expected interest from several other teams.
But there’s a catch. The Wings are paying Alanna Smith, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jessica Shepard over a million dollars each in 2027, and Smith is also under contract through the 2028 season. If one of the teams interested in Kuier is willing to offer her a huge contract simply because they have the cap space to spare and are desperate to make an offer Dallas can’t match, the Wings might have to watch their best defender walk away.
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