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

The Dallas Wings agreed to trade Dijonai Carrington for the Minnesota Lynx Diamond Miller striker, goalkeeper Karlie Samuelson, and a second round choice in 2027. In addition, the wings gave up Teira McCowan.

Carrington, which was acquired via the Connecticut Sun trade during the offseason, is on average 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 interceptions per match. Last year, she was appointed the most improved player in the WNBA and was a member of the fully defensive team.

She joined a lynx team that was at the top of the ranking throughout the season. Minnesota has a 24-5 file, six games ahead of the New York Liberty for the best record in the League. In Carrington, Minnesota, the team acquires a high -energy elite defender who can also score two -digit points every night.

They abandon two players – Miller and Samuelson – who have not played a substantial role in Minnesota. Miller, who was drafted second in the general classification in 2023, is on average 4.1 points in just 9.7 minutes per game, while Samuelson is absent for the season with a foot injury.

How Dijonai Carrington fits into Minnesota

For Carrington, Minnesota is an ideal destination. She will face a championship – just as she did last year on the sun – but she will not have as many score charges as she had to Dallas.

The 5’11 guard will probably leave the bench; The current departure range of Minnesota includes three All -Stars – Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier – alongside Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton. Or, it will start in place of Carleton, which has an average of 6.9 points and 2.3 assists in a year of shooting somewhat down (it reaches 35.9% compared to three this season, against 44.4% last season).

Photo of Ethan Miller / Getty images

Photo of Ethan Miller / Getty images

Another element to consider is that Napheesa Collier seemed to tread his ankle during the victory of Saturday against the Aces of Las Vegas and could lack a lot of time; Carrington is another solid rotation player who could slip into the starting program in the absence of a necklace.

In both cases, she will play for a team that has long prioritized defense – and victory.

What Dallas wings get in exchange for Carrington

While Diamond Miller has not played significant minutes this season, she is not to be outdone. Strong 6’3 won the honors of the All-Rookie WNBA team after finishing second in score (12.1 ppg), fifth in rebound (3.5 RPG) and second in assists (2.5 APG) in 2023. This season, she leads all three-point shooters, reaching 53.8% beyond the arc.

Dallas will benefit from his outdoor shot, and Miller could get a much larger opportunity in a new destination. Currently, the wings are the third most three points per game (6.8) and draw the fourth percentage (32.2%).

Samuelson is another solid rotation player, but will not be in Lalsité this season after undergoing surgery at the end of the season.

Dallas is clearly not in winning mode, but will be in the mixture to add another superior choice alongside Paige Bueckers this offseason.