Minnesota Lynx Acquires DiJonai Carrington from Dallas Wings

News Summary

The Minnesota Lynx have strengthened their roster by acquiring DiJonai Carrington from the Dallas Wings in a trade. The Lynx sent Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Wings. Carrington, the WNBA’s Most Improved Player last season, brings impressive defensive skills and averages to the Lynx as they pursue a championship. Meanwhile, the Wings aim to restructure and focus on player development following the trade. Analysts have given the Lynx an A- for the trade, highlighting Carrington’s potential impact as the playoffs approach.

Minnesota Lynx Acquires DiJonai Carrington from Dallas Wings in Key Trade

Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Lynx have made a significant move ahead of the WNBA trade deadline by trading for guard DiJonai Carrington from the Dallas Wings. In exchange, the Lynx sent veteran forward Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson, and a second-round pick in 2027 to the Wings.

The trade comes as the Lynx aim to strengthen their roster as they pursue a championship this season. Carrington, the WNBA’s Most Improved Player last season, is known for being one of the top defensive guards in the league. This season, she has averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while with the Wings.

Standing at 5-foot-11, Carrington joined the Wings through a sign-and-trade deal with the Connecticut Sun and has continued to build her reputation in the league. During her time with the Sun, she received first-team All-Defensive honors and garnered a vote for the Defensive Player of the Year. With her defensive prowess, Carrington is expected to enhance the Lynx’s capabilities as they head into the playoffs.

Lynx’s Current Standing and Concerns

The Lynx are currently performing exceptionally well, holding a league-best record of 24-5 and maintaining a six-game lead over the second-place New York Liberty in the standings. Despite their success, the team is facing challenges, particularly with any potential absence of their leading scorer Napheesa Collier, who is averaging 23.5 points per game but recently suffered a sprained ankle.

Trade Impact on Both Teams

The Minnesota Lynx view the trade as a critical step toward their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings are focused on building their future around their No. 1 overall draft pick, Paige Bueckers. For the Wings, parting with Carrington allows them to refocus on player development and team restructuring.

In addition to Miller, the Wings also received Samuelson in the trade. Miller, the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, has struggled with injuries, leading to limited playing time and a season average of just 4.1 points per game. Samuelson, on the other hand, faced a season-ending foot injury after participating in 16 games.

To facilitate this trade, the Wings also waived veteran center Teaira McCowan, marking a significant shift in the team’s strategy. Analysts have graded the trade as an A- for the Lynx, reflecting the potential impact Carrington can have, while the Wings received a B rating for their return.

Looking Ahead

While Carrington’s offensive output has been inconsistent this season, with a shooting percentage of 35.4% from the field, there is optimism that playing alongside a stronger team in the Lynx will help her improve. Her addition to the lineup could also allow Kayla McBride to focus more on offensive plays, giving the Lynx even more options as they look to enhance their playoff performance.

As the postseason approaches, the Lynx, with their fortified roster, remain a serious contender for the championship, and this latest trade signals their commitment to winning. The upcoming playoff matchups will be closely watched, particularly against the defending champion Liberty.

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Additional Resources

• Star Tribune: Lynx Add DiJonai Carrington
• Wikipedia: WNBA
• Bleacher Report: DiJonai Carrington Traded
• Google Search: DiJonai Carrington
• Dallas News: Who is Diamond Miller
• Google Scholar: WNBA trade
• ESPN: Lynx Trade for DiJonai Carrington
• Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA History
• Lynx WNBA: Acquire DiJonai Carrington
• Google News: WNBA trade deadline