Wings Make Strong Moves in Free Agency

The Dallas Wings were busy Saturday during the free agency period. The Wings re-signed Arike Ogunbowale and Awak Kuier. Dallas also added free agents Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard.

Arike Ogunbowale

Dallas secured their franchise star, Arike Ogunbowale, on a multi-year, seven-figure deal. Ogunbowale remains one of the league’s most dynamic scorers, and retaining her ensured Dallas wouldn’t take a step backward. Instead, it gave the front office a foundation to build on as they reshaped a roster with very little continuity entering the offseason.

During the 2025 season, Ogunbowale averaged 15.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across 29 regular-season games.

“We are so excited that Arike has chosen to return to Dallas and build upon her great legacy here,” said Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller in a press release.  “We understand the unique opportunity we have in being able to welcome back our franchise’s all-time leading scorer, and we are so grateful for Arike’s loyalty to the Dallas Wings. Her commitment to the Wings and City of Dallas is undeniable, and we are looking forward to building this team with her veteran leadership at the forefront.”

Awak Kuier

Kuier keeps a high-upside developmental piece in the fold, preserving some long-term potential within the roster. She was selected No. 2 overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft by Dallas and played three seasons. During the 2025-26 season in Turkey, playing with the KBSL runner-up Galatasaray, Kuier averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting .593 from the field and .409 from three over 24 games. Over 17 Euroleague contests this year, she posted averages of 12.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals, shooting .654 overall. She led the EuroLeague in blocks, finished second in double-doubles (5), was fifth in efficiency, and sixth in field-goal percentage.

“Recruiting Awak back to Dallas and the WNBA was a huge priority for our staff during this offseason,” said Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller in a press release. Awak’s game has continued to grow since last playing in the WNBA. She impacts the game at both ends of the court. Offensively, she can score at all three levels, while defensively, she impacts the game with her length and athleticism. We are truly excited about Awak’s return to Dallas.

Alanna Smith

The Wings’ big signing came with Smith, who signed a three-year max contract. Known for her rim protection and defensive versatility, she brings something Dallas desperately lacked: a true defensive anchor. After struggling to establish an identity on that end of the floor last season, the Wings now have a player capable of altering shots, switching across positions, and anchoring the paint.

In 2025, Smith appeared in 42 regular-season games for the Lynx and started 42, averaging 9.6 points on 48.5 percent shooting, along with 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 26.3 minutes per contest. The 6-4 forward was voted the 2025 WNBA Co‑Defensive Player of the Year and named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team.

“Alanna Smith was our top target going into free agency after her outstanding 2025 season,” said Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller in a press release.  “As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball.

Jessica Shepard

In Shepard, Dallas gets a versatile player who can rebound, facilitate, and complement Smith’s defensive strengths. Shepard’s ability to impact the game without needing high usage makes her a seamless fit alongside high-scoring guards. Over five seasons and 125 games in Minnesota, Shepard has averaged 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting .535 from the field. 

“The Wings are ecstatic about the signing of Jessica Shepard to a multi-year deal,” said Dallas Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller. “She was a priority for us in free agency because of her versatility offensively.

What makes this free agency period particularly intriguing is how it reshapes the team’s identity. With Ogunbowale leading the offense and Smith anchoring the defense, the Wings are beginning to form a more balanced roster. Add in the expected impact of rising star Paige Bueckers, and Dallas suddenly looks like a team with both present competitiveness and future upside.