Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Minnesota Lynx Acquire Defensive Star DiJonai Carrington from Dallas Wings, Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up WNBA Title Picture

Wings trade DiJonai Carrington to the title-chasing Lynx in bold move

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Wings and the Minnesota Lynx have made one of the most sensational trades in this market. DiJonai Carrington who played an important role for the Wings has been sent to the Minnesota Lynx.

The Lynx, already strong in both their front court and backcourt, have added another talented piece to the roster. This strengthens Minnesota, already one of the title favorites, making their championship chances look even stronger.

The Wings, already dealing with multiple roster issues, are now losing a major piece in the process. However, in exchange for Carrington, they have received Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and Lynx’s 2027-second round pick.

I asked Paige Bueckers about how important it is to have DiJonai Carrington during these tough stretches.

"It's important to have experience… just the energy and passion that she brings. You know what you're going to get every single night from her"
— Jah (@JahlilWill) August 1, 2025

Reports also suggest that the Dallas’ front office has waived Tearia McCowan to open roster slots. The front office clearly plans a rebuild, focusing on long-term development over short-term playoff contention this season.

Carrington Trade Protects Lynx Title Bid

The Minnesota Lynx have added a major defensive piece in the form of DiJonai Carrington. They lead the WNBA in defensive rating with 95.1. And adding the 27-year-old who was in the All Defensive First Team last year alleviates plug-and-play defense.

With Napheesa Collier’s injury scare on Saturday night, the move for DiJonai Carrington makes sense. It is unclear about Collier’s return timeline, and the former Dallas guard can step in for the MVP candidate.

Breaking: The Dallas Wings have traded guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson and Minnesota's 2027 second round pick, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/SjHazYeNnw
— espnW (@espnW) August 3, 2025

In the process, the Lynx have also cleared Diamond Miller and Karlie Samuelson from the roster. Samuelson suffered a left foot injury in late June and has undergone surgery. She will miss the remainder of the season due to rehabilitation.

Diamond Miller has not been a regular for the Minnesota Lynx. She played 8.9 minutes per game, which makes her down the pecking order behind Alanna Smith and Aerial Powers in the forward position.

Miller remains on a rookie-scale contract until the end of the 2026 WNBA season. She brings valuable size and versatility beside Maddy Seigrist and Luisa. The Wings can slowly develop the forward, giving her enough minutes in an otherwise struggling roster.