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

The Dallas Wings have agreed to trade guard DiJonai Carrington for Minnesota Lynx forward Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick. In addition, the Wings waived Teaira McCowan.

Carrington, who was acquired via trade from the Connecticut Sun in the offseason, is averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Last year, she was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and was a member of the All-Defense team.

She joins a Lynx squad that’s been at the top of the standings all season long. Minnesota is 24-5, six games ahead of the New York Liberty for the league’s best record. In Carrington, Minnesota, the team is acquiring an elite, high-energy defender who can also score double-digit points on any given night.

They give up two players — Miller and Samuelson — who have not played a substantial role in Minnesota. Miller, who was drafted second overall in 2023, is averaging 4.1 points in just 9.7 minutes per game, while Samuelson is out for the season with a foot injury.

How DiJonai Carrington fits in Minnesota

For Carrington, Minnesota is an ideal destination. She’ll contend for a championship — just as she did last year on the Sun — but she won’t have to carry as much of the scoring load as she’s had to in Dallas.

The 5’11 guard will likely come off the bench; Minnesota’s current starting lineup includes three All-Stars — Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Napheesa Collier — alongside Alanna Smith, and Bridget Carleton. Or, she’ll start in place of Carleton, who is averaging 6.9 points and 2.3 assists in a somewhat down shooting year (she’s hitting 35.9% from three this season, down from 44.4% last season).

Another element to consider is that Napheesa Collier appeared to sprain her ankle in Saturday’s blowout win over the Las Vegas Aces and could miss significant time; Carrington is another strong rotation player who could slot into the starting lineup in Collier’s absence.

In either case, she’ll play for a team that has long prioritized defense — and winning.

What the Dallas Wings get in exchange for Carrington

While Diamond Miller has not played significant minutes this season, she’s no slouch. The 6’3 forward garnered WNBA All-Rookie Team honors after finishing 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 shooting, hitting 53.8% from beyond the arc.

Dallas will benefit from her outside shooting, and Miller could get a much larger opportunity in a new destination. Currently, the Wings make the third-fewest three-pointers per game (6.8) and shoot the fourth-worst percentage (32.2%).

Samuelson is another solid rotation player, but won’t be lacing up this season after undergoing season-ending foot surgery.

Dallas is clearly not in win-now mode, but will be in the mix to add another top pick alongside Paige Bueckers this offseason.