The Minnesota Lynx have executed a major midseason trade, acquiring guard DiJonai Carrington from the Dallas Wings. In exchange, Minnesota sent forward Diamond Miller, veteran wing Karlie Samuelson, and a second-round pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft to Dallas.
Carrington, recently named the 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player, joins a Lynx roster that reached the WNBA Finals last season and is positioned for another title run.
Her arrival is expected to bolster Minnesota’s backcourt and enhance the team’s two-way play as the regular season winds down.
With Carrington’s long-standing jersey number 21 already occupied by veteran guard Kayla McBride, she will be required to choose a new number for the first time in her professional career.
Carrington had worn No. 21 throughout her collegiate years at Stanford and Baylor, as well as during her time in the WNBA.
Carrington’s profile and role with Minnesota
Carrington brings playoff experience and defensive versatility to Minnesota. Despite limited team success during her recent stint in Dallas, she previously played four seasons with the Connecticut Sun, a team that consistently advanced to the second round of the playoffs or further.
That postseason experience is expected to be valuable for the Lynx as they prepare for another competitive run.
This season, Carrington is averaging 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while providing consistent defensive pressure on the perimeter. Her ability to impact both ends of the court aligns with Minnesota’s strategic needs, particularly in supplementing their guard rotation alongside McBride and Courtney Williams.
Minnesota’s decision to part with Diamond Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, reflects a focused commitment to immediate contention. Miller, along with Samuelson and a future draft asset, gives Dallas both youth and depth for its long-term roster development.
Carrington is expected to assume a significant role in head coach Cheryl Reeve’s system. Her defensive tenacity, transition play, and ability to contribute in late-game scenarios add another dimension to a Lynx roster aiming to improve on last season’s runner-up finish.
While her jersey number remains undecided, Carrington’s contribution will be measured by her ability to integrate into Minnesota’s core lineup and maintain the team’s trajectory toward postseason success.
This transaction marks one of the most notable moves ahead of the season’s conclusion and underscores the Lynx’s determination to compete for a championship in 2025.
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