With the CBA standoff, the WNBA & the WNBPA reach an agreement on a free agency moratorium, suspending qualifying offers. This not only extended the date for the free agency signings, but also puts the expansion draft date further away.
While this extended period allows the expansion teams to go deeper into their analysis and widen their search, one new name could become a major surprise for many: Awak Kuier.
The former Dallas Wings’ pick struggled early in the WNBA and is now one of the top prospects following her stellar performance in the Euroleague.
Awak Kuier Makes Huge Statement With Her Overseas Performance
After winning the draft lottery, the Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller warned the franchise of expansion draft challenges and predicted that the side would lose a player. While they are worried about their current active roster, the side also has the Finnish star on its books.
Drafted in 2021, the player played for three years with the franchise and averaged around 2.6 PPG and 2.5 RPG. She moved to Turkey’s Galatasaray in the KBSL to gain experience and refine her skills. Interestingly, the Wings still hold the rights for the 24-year-old forward if she were to come back to the WNBA. Currently, she is averaging 11.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 2.0 BPG for
Awak taking over the EuroLeague ✨
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) January 27, 2026
No. 1 in blocks ✅
No. 2 in double-doubles ✅ pic.twitter.com/soUwyEwSFk
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While expansion teams like Toronto Tempo are already targeting specific players for the 2026 roster, the availability of such options would be tempting for them.
Whether the star will return to the WNBA or not is still unknown, but if she decides to be back for the 2026 season, it could even alter the Dallas Wings’ plans with its first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
Awak Kuier Could Impact Dallas Wings’ Top Pick In 2026 Draft
With one of the deepest and talented draft classes available, the Wings are already in two minds over their first overall pick. While Lauren Betts keeps lighting up her UCLA senior year, proving she’s worth every no. 1 pick hype, many are also pitching in for Azzi Fudd, who has been equally impactful for the ‘unbeaten’ UConn side this season. Awa Fam is another name in the mix.
But if the Wings’ former pick returns to the ‘W’, she would quickly fill in for the forward or center role, making it an easier choice for the front office to choose Fudd. Adding a ball handler and elite shooter with proven forward like Kuier and the franchise’s superstar Paige Bueckers makes much sense.
This situation hands the franchise to invest in other positions and strengthen the squad, making them an instant title contender.