The Dallas Wings have decided to acquire Minnesota Lynx Forward Diamond Miller, Guard Carly Samuelson, and DiJonai Carrington in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027. In the process, they have released Teela McCowan.
Carrington, who was previously with the Connecticut Sun, brings in healthy averages of 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Last season, she was recognized as the WNBA Most Improved Player and made it to the All-Defensive Team.
In exciting news, the Dallas Wings have officially announced a trade: Guard Dehony Carrington is heading to the Minnesota Lynx, while Diamond Miller, Carly Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick are coming back to Dallas.
Joining a Lynx squad that’s been performing exceptionally well, with an impressive record of 24-5, Carrington adds a dynamic layer to a team currently leading the league. She’s known for her energy on defense and has the capacity to score in double digits consistently.
The Wings are losing two players in this deal who haven’t significantly impacted the Lynx’s lineup. Miller, the second overall pick in 2023, managed an average of just 4.1 points over 9.7 minutes per game this season, while Samuelson is sidelined for the year due to a foot injury.
How DiJonai Carrington Fits in Minnesota
For Carrington, this move to Minnesota seems like a great fit, stepping into a championship-contending team without having the heavy scoring load she faced in Dallas.
As a 5’11 guard, she might initially come off the bench, given that Minnesota features three All-Stars—Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Naffysa Collier—along with Alana Smith and Bridget Carlton. There’s even a chance she could take Carlton’s starting spot; Carlton has had a rough year, averaging 6.9 points and 2.3 assists.
Another important point to note is that Collier recently sprained her ankle, which might keep her out for some time. This could open up valuable starting minutes for Carrington.
No matter how it plays out, Carrington joins a team that has prioritized defense and a winning culture.
What the Dallas Wings Gain from the Trade
While Diamond Miller hasn’t seen much playtime this season, she still holds a promising future. At 6’3”, she made it onto the WNBA All-Rookie team, boasting averages of 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
For the Wings, acquiring Miller should expose her to greater playing opportunities at her new home. Dallas has been shooting just 32.2% on three-pointers this season, perhaps indicating a need for a strong offensive boost.
Samuelson, on the other hand, is a strong player but is unlikely to contribute much this season after having foot surgery.
While it’s clear that Dallas isn’t in full-on victory mode right now, they are strategically building for the future and looking to add another standout pick alongside Page Booker this offseason.
