DiJonai Carrington, who joined the Dallas Wings in February, was traded to the Minnesota Lynx, surprising many fans and teammates. This unexpected move highlights the business realities of the WNBA, where even the Most Improved Player can be moved quickly when teams are in rebuilding mode.
The DiJonai Carrington WNBA trade has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporters celebrating the addition to the Lynx while others question why the Wings would part with a key player so soon after acquiring her.
Reasons Behind Dallas Wings’ Quick Decision to Trade Carrington
Despite Carrington’s promising start with the Wings, trade speculation persisted through the opening of the 2025 WNBA season. Many wondered whether the team would keep a player recognized as the 2024 Most Improved Player, but the Wings maintained silence on the matter.
When the trade was finalized, Dallas received multiple assets: forward Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round draft pick. To balance the roster, the Wings also waived center Teaira McCowan amid ongoing restructuring efforts.
While some fans accepted the trade as a strategic move, others voiced frustration, viewing it as unfair to lose a standout player shortly after her arrival.
Courtney Williams’ Enthusiastic Response to Carrington Joining Minnesota Lynx
Courtney Williams expressed clear excitement about Carrington’s arrival to the Lynx, sharing her enthusiasm in an Instagram story with the phrase, “W’s in the chatttt,” celebrating the new addition. A former Dallas Wings star herself, Williams looks forward to strengthening a championship-aspiring Minnesota team alongside Carrington.
Williams, known for her online rapport with Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman as part of the viral duo StudBudz, recently showcased their camaraderie in a TikTok live stream featuring Carrington. During the stream, Williams playfully teased Carrington about the Wings’ poor start to the season.
Oh the Wings are 1-8. Who did you all beat?,
—Courtney Williams, WNBA player
But for real, who did you all really beat? Chicago? You all didn’t beat Chicago?
—Courtney Williams, WNBA player
In response, Carrington confirmed they beat her former team, the Connecticut Sun.
Background on DiJonai Carrington’s Career Trajectory
Drafted in 2021 as the 20th pick in Round 2 by the Connecticut Sun, Carrington spent four seasons with the team before being traded to Dallas earlier in 2024. At 27 years old, the veteran guard has now experienced two trades within months, underscoring the unpredictable nature of WNBA careers.
Analysis of Which Team Benefited Most from the Carrington Trade
According to CBS Sports analyst Jack Maloney, Dallas appears to have gained the upper hand in this trade. He assigned the Wings an ‘A’ grade, while the Lynx received a ‘B,’ indicating Dallas secured better value for its rebuilding process.
One of the few things the Wings have done well this season is act decisively when it became apparent they were going nowhere. Back in June, they sent [NaLyssa] Smith to the Las Vegas Aces for a 2027 first-round pick,
—Jack Maloney, CBS Sports analyst
They’ve continued the teardown with this deal that sends Carrington to the Lynx for Miller, a former lottery pick. Samuelson was included to make the money work, and an extra draft pick is never a bad thing, but this deal was about acquiring Diamond Miller.
—Jack Maloney, CBS Sports analyst
Miller, a promising young player, is expected to be a core contributor as the Wings rebuild around rising star Paige Bueckers. Her arrival adds crucial depth and versatility to the Dallas roster.
Looking Ahead: What the Trade Means for Both Teams
The trade sets the stage for an engaging matchup when the Wings face the Lynx on September 1, offering fans a first opportunity to evaluate how both squads integrate their new players. For Minnesota, adding Carrington bolsters their championship hopes, strengthened further by players like Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman alike.
Meanwhile, Dallas’s acquisition of Miller and Samuelson signals a clear commitment to long-term growth, with strategic draft picks providing additional assets for the future.