DiJonai Carrington‘s first game after being traded from the Dallas Wings to the Minnesota Lynx marked an encouraging turn in her 2025 season. The trade, completed over the weekend, sent Carrington to Minnesota in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson (who was waived soon after), and a 2027 second-round draft pick. In her debut for the Lynx, Carrington expressed renewed enthusiasm, stating,
“This was one of the first times I’ve had fun playing basketball this season.”
Playing just 18 minutes off the bench, Carrington put up a strong stat line with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals while helping the Lynx secure a road victory against the Seattle Storm. Despite missing key player Napheesa Collier, the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA All-Star Game MVP, Minnesota showcased depth and balance with five scorers in double digits, led by Courtney Williams’ 20 points. This win improved the Lynx’s record to 25-5, solidifying their lead atop the WNBA standings.
Challenges During Carrington’s Time with the Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings acquired Carrington during a significant 10-team sign-and-trade deal in the offseason, bringing her alongside partner NaLyssa Smith. However, Smith was later traded to the Las Vegas Aces by late June for a 2027 first-round draft pick. Carrington’s stint in Dallas was brief and marked by difficulties both on and off the court.
Despite winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award the previous year, Carrington’s performance declined in Dallas, particularly in shooting and overall impact. A reduced and inconsistent role, shifted from a starter to primarily a bench player, appeared to contribute to her dissatisfaction. She openly conveyed her frustrations about the situation:
It’s definitely an adjustment… It was hard for me just being that the whole point of me coming to Dallas was to expand my role,
Carrington said.
So, I feel like, not that coming off the bench means it’s diminished, but sort of in a sense, a little bit… But I’ve come off the bench before in my career. Whenever I’m out there, y’all know what you’re going to get from me.
The decision to move Carrington to the bench affected her output and morale in Dallas, indicating a lack of alignment between player and team expectations. Her role did not match the one she anticipated when arriving in Dallas.
A New Environment Brings Fresh Energy
Transitioning to a team with one of the best records in the league, Carrington appears to have found a more positive setting in Minnesota. While still coming off the bench, the Lynx’s winning culture and competitive roster may allow her to regain the confidence and form that earned her acclaim the previous season.
This change not only revitalized Carrington’s energy but also gave the Lynx additional depth in the backcourt, an essential factor given the absence of Collier. If she continues to contribute effectively in this role, her presence could have a meaningful impact on Minnesota’s playoff potential and overall team chemistry.
Ongoing Dallas Wings Developments and Related News
The Dallas Wings continue to make headlines beyond Carrington’s departure, notably through the achievements and updates involving star player Paige Bueckers. Bueckers recently broke a WNBA record previously held by Caitlin Clark, drawing widespread attention. Her progress and performance have sparked conversations on the future of the league, collective bargaining negotiations, and team dynamics.
Additionally, Patrick Beverley has publicly responded to Bueckers’ play in recent games against the Wings’ competitors, adding to the ongoing discourse surrounding Dallas’s roster and strategy as the 2025 season unfolds.
For detailed coverage of the Wings and other WNBA developments, sources like WingsGameday continue to provide updates throughout the season.