
Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington and her girlfriend, teammate NaLyssa Smith, have drawn attention in the WNBA following a recent reunion on the court. Their relationship, which began during their shared college season at Baylor in 2020-21, became more visible when Smith posted photos highlighting this season, prompting Carrington to respond warmly on social media.
Both players were brought together as part of a complex four-team trade on February 2, 2025, involving the Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, Phoenix Mercury, and Indiana Fever. The Wings received Carrington and Smith, along with Tyasha Harris and a future draft pick, while notable players like Satou Sabally moved to Phoenix and Sophie Cunningham went to Indiana.
The Strategic Decision Behind the Trade: Insight from Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller
Curt Miller, general manager of the Dallas Wings, discussed the trade during the Wings’ preseason finale on May 10 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. He revealed the intricate negotiations and strategic planning that led to bringing both Carrington and Smith to the team.
“It was a lot of puzzle pieces to get to that trade, and some free agency,” Miller said. “Chris [Koclanes] had some non-negotiables as we got closer on trade deals. Ty Harris had to be a part of the deal.”
“We knew if we could get NaLyssa in a trade, that even more could get DiJonai through free agency, too. It all worked out.”
Miller’s remarks indicate that acquiring Smith opened the door to signing Carrington through free agency, making the trade a carefully orchestrated move to strengthen the Wings roster both on and off the court.
Impact of the Reunion on the Team and Season Outlook
Fans and the WNBA community reacted positively to the news of the couple reuniting as teammates, creating a buzz on social networks that highlighted both the personal and professional significance of this move. Though the Wings began the 2025 season with a 0-4 record, the presence of Carrington and Smith adds new energy to the team as they prepare to face the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday.
This reunion not only marks a meaningful chapter for Carrington and Smith’s WNBA relationship but also suggests potential positive momentum for the Wings as the season progresses. The team aims to leverage this reunion to build chemistry and competitiveness moving forward.