DiJonai Carrington is the biggest winner in the WNBA’s latest in-season trade

The Dallas Wings have agreed to commerce guard DiJonai Carrington for Minnesota Lynx ahead Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round choose. As well as, the Wings waived Teaira McCowan.

Carrington, who was acquired by way of commerce from the Connecticut Solar within the offseason, is averaging 10.4 factors, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per recreation. Final yr, she was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Participant and was a member of the All-Protection staff.

She joins a Lynx squad that’s been on the prime of the standings all season lengthy. Minnesota is 24-5, six video games forward of the New York Liberty for the league’s greatest document. In Carrington, Minnesota, the staff is buying an elite, high-energy defender who also can rating double-digit factors on any given night time.

They provide up two gamers — Miller and Samuelson — who haven’t performed a considerable position in Minnesota. Miller, who was drafted second general in 2023, is averaging 4.1 factors in simply 9.7 minutes per recreation, whereas Samuelson is out for the season with a foot harm.

How DiJonai Carrington matches in Minnesota

For Carrington, Minnesota is a perfect vacation spot. She’ll contend for a championship — simply as she did final yr on the Solar — however she gained’t have to hold as a lot of the scoring load as she’s needed to in Dallas.

The 5’11 guard will doubtless come off the bench; Minnesota’s present beginning lineup contains three All-Stars — Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Napheesa Collier — alongside Alanna Smith, and Bridget Carleton. Or, she’ll begin rather than Carleton, who’s averaging 6.9 factors and a pair of.3 assists in a considerably down taking pictures yr (she’s hitting 35.9% from three this season, down from 44.4% final season).

One other ingredient to contemplate is that Napheesa Collier appeared to sprain her ankle in Saturday’s blowout win over the Las Vegas Aces and will miss vital time; Carrington is one other robust rotation participant who might slot into the beginning lineup in Collier’s absence.

In both case, she’ll play for a staff that has lengthy prioritized protection — and profitable.

What the Dallas Wings get in alternate for Carrington

Whereas Diamond Miller has not performed vital minutes this season, she’s no slouch. The 6’3 ahead garnered WNBA All-Rookie Crew honors after ending second in scoring (12.1 ppg), fifth in rebounding (3.5 rpg) and second in assists (2.5 apg) in 2023. This season, she leads all forwards in three-point taking pictures, hitting 53.8% from past the arc.

Dallas will profit from her exterior taking pictures, and Miller might get a a lot bigger alternative in a brand new vacation spot. Presently, the Wings make the third-fewest three-pointers per recreation (6.8) and shoot the fourth-worst share (32.2%).

Samuelson is one other strong rotation participant, however gained’t be lacing up this season after present process season-ending foot surgical procedure.

Dallas is clearly not in win-now mode, however will probably be within the combine so as to add one other prime choose alongside Paige Bueckers this offseason.