The Dallas Wings’ 2025 season has been full of challenges, as the team has an 8-23 record entering Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Mystics. Through injuries, roster turnover, and the challenges of developing one of the WNBA’s youngest cores, general manager Curt Miller has maintained a clear long-term vision, one aimed at making Dallas a contender for years to come.

Miller, who joined the Wings’ front office in late 2024 after most recently serving as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks and having a successful tenure as head coach and general manager of the Connecticut Sun, is no stranger to building rosters from the ground up. In Connecticut, he drafted and developed multiple All-Stars, led the team to two WNBA Finals appearances, and won both Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year.

In Dallas, he’s applying the same measured, strategic approach.

Dallas Wings Have Navigated an Injury-Plagued Season

Miller said the team’s slow start wasn’t just a matter of execution. It came against one of the league’s toughest early-season slates. He pointed out that the Wings opened 1–4, including facing Minnesota twice in their first three games, before the injury bug began to take hold.

“One of the things that has unfortunately played out this year was the 1–4 start, which came against one of the toughest schedules out of the gate with Minnesota twice in the first three games,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com in an exclusive interview. “After game five, the injuries started to mount. Then long-term injuries hit us, and some acute injuries forced players into positions they don’t normally play. We had to take a realistic view of what’s best for the organization.”

When discussing the team’s response to adversity, Miller contrasted his past experience as a head coach with his current role as general manager. He noted that while the coach in him instinctively wants to push for wins, the GM in him must keep the long-term vision in focus, a balance that has meant embracing the developmental value of a young roster enduring difficult stretches.

“For a long time, I wore the dual hat, and the coach in me always wanted to win. The GM in me has to think about the long term,” Miller explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Now I really have to think about what the build looks like. We’ve been able to play with a very young group and get them true game-time experience and hardships. They’ll learn so much from what they’ve had to go through. You’ve got to go through hard before you can get to the other side of it.”

Looking toward the offseason, Miller highlighted how the Wings’ youth movement could also pay off financially. He explained that having a core group of players on rookie-scale or lower-cost contracts will give Dallas the flexibility to make aggressive free-agent offers, and even overpay strategically, to bring in veteran talent to complement their young nucleus.

“We’re going to have a really young core group to build with,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Why that’s important is they’ll be on inexpensive or less expensive contracts, which gives us flexibility in free agency to make really competitive offers — maybe even an over-offer when needed — to acquire veteran talent around that young core. With the amount of young people who could be on our roster, it positions us to be very competitive with our cap moving forward.”

Despite the challenges, Miller acknowledged that the season’s struggles have put the Wings in a prime position for the 2026 WNBA Draft. With the league’s top lottery odds, Dallas has a strong chance to secure the No. 1 overall pick.

“The unintended consequence of a hard year is we currently sit with the number one odds in the draft lottery for the number one pick,” Miller expressed to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

The history between Miller and Koclanes has given the Wings a steady hand during a volatile season, creating a level of trust and alignment that will carry into the next stages of the rebuild.

Adding Size and Versatility With Diamond Miller

When Curt Miller broke down the decision to trade for Diamond Miller, he emphasized that the move was as much about securing a controllable, high-upside talent for multiple seasons as it was about plugging a gap in the present. After a standout rookie season averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 2023, Miller was unable to consistently crack the rotation on a contending Lynx squad, but the Wings see strong potential for her with expanded opportunity.

“As we continue to execute the build and plan for the future, the first intangible was Diamond’s contract situation,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She has another year on her rookie contract. If the framework of free agency stays the same coming out of the new CBA, then she’ll become a restricted free agent, which we would also have control over. So you’re looking at acquiring a player that not only do you have for this year’s runway, but you potentially have a minimum of two more years.

Miller explained that the deal also addressed one of Dallas’ most pressing on-court issues, a lack of length and size at the wing spot against elite teams like the New York Liberty. Now, the Wings have Miller and Maddy Siegrist in the mix, who will both be especially vital after trading DiJonai Carrington.

“I believe her best days are ahead of her in this league. She brings great size at the wing position. In this stretch where we played New York three times in a short window, it magnified just how big they are with Leonie at the three,” Miller explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “We realized we’ve been playing a little undersized in a lot of positions all year, so her size is intriguing. Her athleticism is intriguing. She scores at different levels and brings a presence to the defensive end that we were losing with DiJonai going out the door.”

In Miller’s view, the 6-foot-3 wing wasted no time showing what she could bring physically, especially in terms of physical toughness and two-way impact. Dallas will be a place for her to play.

“Her physicality was important,” Miller said to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think you saw it on display last night—Myisha, Grace Berger, and Diamond changed that flow of a difficult first quarter with their physicality. The game changed. Diamond will have a shot here. She’s been on a very loaded roster these last year and a half in Minnesota.”

For Miller, Miller’s presence adds another versatile piece to the roster—one capable of impacting the game with toughness and adaptability as the Wings continue to shape their identity.

Building Around Paige Bueckers and Leveraging Assets

Miller said that Dallas’ roster has been deliberately constructed to give the franchise an unusual level of contract control and salary cap flexibility by the 2026 offseason, a strategy he believes will put the Wings in a rare position to make aggressive moves when the market is especially loaded. Dallas acquired a 2027 first-round pick from the Las Vegas Aces in exchange for NaLyssa Smith before later adding a 2027 second-round pick from the Minnesota Lynx for Carrington.

“It’s fair to say that we will probably have 11 players that will either be under contract or reserved going into this free agency before the expansion draft,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “So we’re going to end up with a lot of young people. And what’s not written about you guys, which is, I’m surprised, isn’t written about, is with that many young players in 2026 it opens up so much cap space. That cap space allows you to be really aggressive in a year that free agency, it’s a lot of free agents. A lot of players are going to be free agents. And so we’re really positioned to be really aggressive in 2026 to make our team better.”

That forward-looking approach has been paired with a steady accumulation of draft capital, which Miller described as essential for both short-term depth and long-term maneuverability.

“Our three first-round picks over the next two years are very important for our build,” Miller shared with DallasHoopsJournal.com. “We also intentionally have extra assets in 2027—two first-rounders and two second-rounders.”

Miller added that this surplus of picks gives Dallas the ability to move quickly if a high-caliber player becomes available, whether it’s a proven All-Star hitting the trade block due to a rebuilding team’s direction, a veteran on an expiring deal who doesn’t fit a contender’s cap structure, or a young talent whose current situation sours because of role or contract disputes.

In his view, having the draft capital and roster flexibility in place allows the Wings to be “first in line” when those opportunities arise, rather than scrambling to match offers from other teams.

“A lot of players in this upcoming free agency will sign two-, three-, or four-year deals,” Miller explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “It’s almost certain that some will not be good fits, whether they’re unhappy with playing time or style, or vice versa, from the organization’s standpoint. While there may not be many 2027 free agents because of what’s going to happen in 2026, we can be nimble with four draft picks in 2027. That positions us to make moves for players who might be in poor fits elsewhere and whose franchises are open to change.”

In Miller’s view, that combination of flexibility and patience will allow Dallas to stay opportunistic, ready to strike when the right talent becomes available.

The Role of Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale

When asked what he’s learned about the backcourt pairing of Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, Miller explained that Bueckers’ all-around skill set has opened the door for a wide range of lineup combinations and playmaking options. He stressed that her game isn’t solely defined by on-ball creation, which allows Dallas to adjust its approach without losing offensive balance.

“Paige’s efficiency and versatility give us a lot of flexibility in roster construction,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She enjoys being off the ball and then brought back into actions, not worn down by defensive point guards pressuring her full court. She works well with a true point guard. Grace Berger’s recent acquisition has been great. She keeps the ball moving, doesn’t hunt her own shots, and looks to get the star players shots.”

Miller noted that Bueckers’ adaptability isn’t just a tactical asset but also a key factor in sustaining chemistry across different lineup looks. Her ability to seamlessly shift between being a primary scorer and a secondary playmaker allows the Wings to adjust game plans to counter defenses. Whether she’s initiating the offense, spacing the floor, or defending multiple positions, Bueckers provides a stabilizing presence that helps maintain rhythm and trust among teammates regardless of who’s on the floor.

“At the same time, Paige can be on the ball in bigger lineups, allowing for some big-guard looks,” Miller said to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “The culture in the locker room is also important. Our players are genuinely close, which is rare for a losing team. We intentionally put great humans in that room, but now we need to raise our talent level.”

He also pointed out that both Bueckers and Ogunbowale have stepped into active off-court leadership roles, particularly when it comes to shaping the team’s future through recruiting. Miller said this kind of buy-in from top players is rare and invaluable in building a long-term contender. The organization sees a clear connection between Bueckers and Ogunbowale that they’re excited to build around long-term.

“Paige wants to be involved in recruiting players to Dallas,” Miller shared with DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Arike also initiates free agency conversations with me. It’s exciting that your two best players consistently want to talk future. She’ll pick up the phone and call me—‘What about so-and-so?’ I think she’s been through the good times, she’s been through some of the building years. She means a lot to this franchise, and she means a lot to me personally. We’re really excited about Arike. Since the All-Star break, you see the way she and Paige communicate. You can hear them speaking the same language. That’s been exciting for us.”

That flexibility, combined with their draft capital, gives Dallas a rare opportunity to adapt quickly as the market shifts. The Wings see this adaptability as a key advantage in navigating future roster construction.

Player Development and Coaching Continuity

Miller said his long-standing relationship with head coach Chris Koclanes has been a critical asset during a challenging season defined by youth and injuries. Their shared history, dating back to their years coaching together in Connecticut, allows for hard conversations when discussing the team’s progress, shortcomings, and future direction.

“My unique relationship with Chris, having coached with him for years, allows me to be highly critical when needed but also supportive,” Miller emphasized to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I remind him that in my first year in Connecticut, we had a young roster, missed the playoffs, and started 3–13. Building takes time.”

He contrasted that earlier rebuild with the current situation in Dallas, noting that the Wings’ roster construction comes with the added challenge of managing the spotlight that follows a high-profile rookie like Bueckers.

“We didn’t have the scrutiny of having a Paige Bueckers when I rebuilt Connecticut,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “That brings a different level of expectations and exposure. But our relationship also allows for very direct, difficult conversations about raising standards and consistency.”

Beyond the scrutiny, Miller underscored just how rare the Wings’ situation is within the WNBA landscape, both in terms of the roster’s composition and the pressure it creates for the coaching staff.

“We’re the first team in 25 years to start four rookies at the same time for an extended period,” Miller explained DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Almost every night we’re significant underdogs, yet our staff has kept us competitive, often in single-digit games late. Now we want to start turning those into wins.”

The stability provided by Miller and Koclanes’ partnership continues to be a key factor in navigating the rebuild’s highs and lows.

Evaluating Future Dallas Wings Contributors

While the Wings are still in the early stages of their rebuilding process, this season has served as a crucial testing ground to evaluate how individual skill sets complement and enhance Bueckers’ game. Dallas has used many lineup combinations as an opportunity to determine the optimal roster construction around its franchise centerpiece.

Siegrist is a prime example of how injuries have altered the Wings’ season trajectory. Entering the year, the third-year forward was expected to provide a steady scoring punch, whether coming off the bench or stepping into the starting lineup when needed. Her ability to create shots from multiple spots on the floor, combined with her efficiency in the paint, made her a strong early candidate for Sixth Player of the Year consideration, or even to fill a starting role.

“They’ve all had flashes,” Miller said to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Maddy Siegrist’s injury was difficult because she has a knack for scoring. She was poised to be in the Sixth Player of the Year discussion or help significantly in the starting lineup when injuries hit.”

When highlighting individual standouts, Miller pointed to the strong play of rookie guard JJ Quinerly during the month of July, a stretch where she was one of the league’s most productive first-year players. Quinerly averaged 10.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 25.2 minutes per game, shooting 40.4% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts per game. He also

“JJ Quinerly’s July was incredible—third-leading rookie scorer that month, second in assists behind Paige, shooting efficiently from all areas, with a nearly 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio,” Miller explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

He also noted the scoring ability of Aziaha James, who ranked sixth among rookies in July scoring (9.4 per game), but mentioned that finding more consistency will be important for her.

“Aziaha James was the sixth-leading rookie scorer in July and has shown she can score 15–20 points in a game, though she needs more consistency, especially defensively,” Miller mentioned to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Haley Jones has emerged as a key player for the Wings after joining the team midseason on a hardship contract. She has played at least 30 minutes in three of her last five games and has averaged 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game during that span. Her point-forward skill set and defensive versatility are viewed as a strong complement to the team’s core.

“Haley Jones has found a home here,” Miller said to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think we found a spot as a facilitating point forward. I don’t think she’s a point guard. We had to play her at point guard [against New York], but I think she’s a point forward… I’ve been impressed with Haley Jones.”

Miller managed to bring Luisa Geiselsöder over to the Wings five years after she was drafted in 2020, and she’s made a strong impact as a frequent starter. She’s averaged 7.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game across 20 performances. Meanwhile, Li Yueru, acquired from the Seattle Storm midseason, has made an impact as well, averaging 7.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game since making her Wings debut in June.

“Our young bigs, they give us spacing threes between Luisa and Li when we needed so much to increase our three-point attempts and increase our three-point shooting,” Miller detailed to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Both of them are talented stretch post players who are great teammates and are only gonna get better. And so really excited about those two.”

Looking ahead, Miller sees the current experience players are gaining as vital even if they move into a bench role after often starting this season, whether that ends up happening for Jones, Yueru, or Geiselsöder.

“Even if they turn and morph into our second unit, their experience that they’ve gained this year is going to be invaluable,” Miller noted to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Awak Kuier, a 6-foot-6 Finnish-Egyptian forward drafted No. 2 overall by the Wings in 2021, is a player that Miller spotlighted as a part of the team’s future even though she didn’t play for Dallas this season. A standout for Finland’s national team, she has also excelled in Europe, winning the 2024 Italian League title and Finals MVP before joining Galatasaray for the 2025–26 season.

“One of the most exciting players to talk about is Awak Kuier, who isn’t here,” Miller emphasized to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “There’s just a lot of young people to continue to build with in the future.”

The season’s experimentation has given Dallas a clearer picture of the pieces that best complement their franchise cornerstone.

The Sales Dallas Wings’ Pitch to WNBA Free Agents

When discussing what could make Dallas an appealing destination for free agents in the coming years, Miller said the pitch will go far beyond roster talent. He pointed to a combination of organizational investments, market advantages, and cultural factors that he believes will separate the Wings from other franchises.

A key piece of that pitch is the team’s upcoming $55 million practice facility at Joey Georgusis Park in West Oak Cliff, which Miller called a “game-changer.” Scheduled to open ahead of the 2026 season, the facility will be the Wings’ first dedicated year-round home for training and organizational needs. It will feature two full-size practice courts, locker rooms and wellness spaces, strength and conditioning areas, family/mother’s rooms for working moms, and community zones available to Dallas ISD and neighborhood groups. Miller said the 24/7 access, on-site chefs, and upgraded medical resources will place it in the league’s top tier.

“The practice facility will be a game-changer, top-third in the league, with everything from chefs to medical resources, plus 24/7 access,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Dallas also plans to relocate from UT Arlington’s College Park Center to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Memorial Arena in downtown Dallas. The move is part of a 15-year, $19 million use agreement with an option to extend for another 15 years. The Memorial Arena is undergoing an extensive renovation as part of a $3.7 billion convention center redevelopment that will make the Wings the primary tenant. Originally set for 2026, the move has been delayed to at least Spring 2027 due to construction timelines and the venue’s role as the FIFA World Cup International Broadcast Center.

“The new arena, while not NBA-sized, will make us the main tenant,” Miller said to DallasHoopsJournal.com

While facilities are a major selling point, Miller noted that Dallas also holds a unique financial edge. The city’s strong corporate presence, lifestyle appeal, and favorable tax laws make it an attractive landing spot for players seeking to maximize both earnings and off-court opportunities. The absence of a state income tax, he explained, can significantly increase take-home pay on multi-year, high-value contracts.

“Dallas is a great market for players to build their brands and lives, with no state income tax, making salaries stretch further,” Miller shared with DallasHoopsJournal.com. “It’s something I’ve experienced personally. When Greg [Bibb] tried to hire me a couple of years ago to be the head coach here, it was a big selling point. I heard what he was saying, but now living it, compared to my paycheck in California, the difference is significant. It’s a factor players and their agents have to consider because of how much extra money it puts in their pockets.”

When discussing the roster’s long-term appeal, Miller emphasized that the Wings’ on-court future will benefit from being an attractive situation for players to join. He pointed to Bueckers as a central figure in shaping the team’s identity, not only as a high-level talent but as someone capable of elevating and connecting those around her. Miller believes her leadership and playing style naturally attract others, making her a draw for prospective teammates.

“Paige will be a unifier, someone players want to play with,” Miller told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Our young core will make us attractive, too. Players will see these young, great teammates and think, ‘That’s our second unit, I want to be a part of that.’”

He also said that recent games played at the American Airlines Center offered a glimpse of the franchise’s growth potential beyond its current home in Arlington. The shift brought in fans who might not regularly make the trip to College Park Center, giving the organization an opportunity to measure its reach in the heart of the Dallas market and give players the exposure to playing in front of the home crowd.

“It exposed us to a broader fan base. The sellout crowds showed what the future holds for this franchise,” Miller explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “At College Park, we’re at 97% capacity this season, so those Dallas games gave us a preview of the potential ahead.”

With a foundation of young talent, cap flexibility, and engaged star leadership, Dallas believes it’s positioned not just for a turnaround next season, but to build a sustainable contender for years to come.

More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors