WNBA Moves: Lynx Bolster Roster with DiJonai Carrington
With the WNBA trade deadline approaching, contending teams are intensifying their efforts to improve their rosters, within the limitations imposed by the league’s salary cap. On Sunday, the [Minnesota Lynx](https://www.espn.com/wnba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-lynx), league leaders, made a key move by acquiring DiJonai Carrington, last season’s Most Improved Player, from the [Dallas Wings](https://www.espn.com/wnba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-wings), in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson (injured) and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft. Carrington, who did not achieve the expected success after joining Dallas, should bring a significant improvement to Minnesota with his defensive skills. His nickname, “Seatbelt”, reflects his ability to stop rival stars. Meanwhile, the Wings are looking to the future, building their team around draft pick number 1, Paige Bueckers. Miller, selected second overall in 2022, could get more playing time in Dallas than on a Lynx team focused on winning championships.Transfer Analysis
Lynx get:
- DiJonai Carrington
Wings get:
- Diamond Miller
- Karlie Samuelson
- 2027 Draft Second Round Selection
Rating for Minnesota: A-
Unless Napheesa Collier, who suffered an ankle injury, is out for an extended period, Minnesota should secure the top spot in the regular season. This will allow them to focus on how they will adapt in the playoffs, especially in a possible Finals rematch against the New York Liberty. Carrington could be crucial with her defense, in case they face the Liberty. The Carrington era in Dallas demonstrated that defensive specialists can improve a team’s potential. Adding Carrington wasn’t enough for the Wings to improve their defensive efficiency, which led to him losing his starting position. In Minnesota, Carrington joins a solid system. The Lynx’s defensive rating of 95.1 is notably superior to that of any other WNBA team. The arrival of Carrington could free Kayla McBride from certain defensive responsibilities, which could benefit her on offense. Even if Carrington is a substitute, she covers a need. Cheryl Reeve’s rotation needed a reliable player after Samuelson’s injury. Although Minnesota has Natisha Hiedeman and Jessica Shepard, there is a positional gap between the two. For Minnesota, the long-term cost was minimal. The 2027 second-round pick will likely be at the end of the round and Samuelson will be an unrestricted free agent next season.Rating for Dallas: B
Carrington’s time with the Wings seems not to have been the right fit for either party. Dallas did not get the expected improvement. With Carrington as a free agent and the Wings in the draft lottery, any benefit is positive. Miller, with his combination of size and perimeter skills, fits well on a Wings team with one of the lowest lineups in the WNBA. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Dallas’ protected list will develop for the upcoming expansion draft. The Wings could keep Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, and the other four remaining options. They already had to waive Teaira McCowan to make room on their roster.
