The Dallas Wings are on top of the world, not only because the Wings won the Lottery draft, but they have a chance to land a player everyone wanted to see alongside Paige Bueckers, her UConn teammate, Azzi Fudd. But it also means the side would have to reshuffle the backcourt, involving veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale.
The star had been with the franchise for seven seasons and led them in scoring on multiple occasions. While Wings’ No. 1 pick could transform them into WNBA contenders, does that mean the veteran guard will be shown the door? GM Curt Miller answers the question.
Curt Miller Talks About Arike Ogunbowale’s Future
The 2026 season would be a transformative one for the league, first due to the CBA buzz, then the addition of two new franchises, and finally, with the talent entering the league via the draft and players moving around through free agency. Free agency is the most intriguing one for the franchises, as GM Curt Miller warns the franchise of expansion draft challenges, accepting that the team will lose some players.
But about the former Notre Dame guard, Miller understands the interest and said, “Paige wants to be involved in recruiting players to Dallas. Arike also initiates free agency conversations with me. It’s exciting that your two best players consistently want to talk future.”
It was 20-20 vision from the @DallasWings backcourt in the win over the Liberty 👀🤝
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 29, 2025
Paige Bueckers: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Arike Ogunbowale: 20 PTS, 14 AST (career-high), 2 3PM
Arike also became the first player in WNBA history to have 15 PTS & 10 AST in a half!… pic.twitter.com/FBWmZVAWs6
“She’ll pick up the phone and call me—‘What about so-and-so?’ … Since the All-Star break, you see the way she and Paige communicate. You can hear them speaking the same language,” Miller told Dallas Hoops Journal reporter Grant Afseth.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
All the talk hints at the Wings’ interest in keeping the veteran guard for the 2026 season. Ogunbowale was on a four-year deal worth approximately $725,952, with a final year salary of about $249,032 in 2025. Now a free agent, the guard wishes to run back with the side, and the GM sides with her.
Arike Ogunbowale Could Be ‘X Factor’ For Dallas Wings
Many expected the 28-year-old to thrive alongside PB in 2025. But that didn’t happen as the side finished 13th in the league with just 10 wins. The Wings guard averaged 15.5 points and 4.1 assists per game, which was her poorest performance in a Wings jersey.
While moving her would be the easier option for the side, using her effectively will be more beneficial for them. Firstly, he is loyal to the franchise and has already played at least one season with current rookies. Secondly, considering Azzi Fudd joining the Wings as the top pick, the presence of Ogunbowale could allow her to settle in and play without pressure, thereby enhancing her impact in the games.
Moreover, if Fudd or any other guard joining in proves more effective, Ogunbowale can run the offense with the second unit, keeping the offense flowing for the side. Given the fact that Wings would be her first preference, the franchise has an edge over other hopefuls in the free agency.