‘Salvaging Value’: ESPN Grades Minnesota Lynx Higher Than Dallas Wings for DiJonai Carrington Trade
The Dallas Wings are retooling their roster ahead of the WNBA trade deadline, trading guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for forward Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round draft pick.
ESPN graded the deal an “A-” for the Lynx and a “B” for the Wings, framing it as a playoff-tilted upgrade for Minnesota and a pragmatic long-term pivot for Dallas.
For the Wings, the trade brings closure to a Carrington experiment that never fully meshed. Despite arriving last offseason as a centerpiece of the team’s defensive overhaul, Carrington’s fit within Dallas’ system became increasingly strained.
The Wings posted a -12.4 net rating during her 497 minutes on the court — the worst mark among rotation players. Defensively, Dallas allowed 110.2 points per 100 possessions with Carrington on the floor, the highest defensive rating for any player on the roster.
DiJonai Carrington’s Dallas Wings Stint Falls Short of Expectations
The Wings acquired Carrington in a four-team deal in February with the expectation she would reshape their perimeter identity. General manager Curt Miller, who originally drafted Carrington in Connecticut, labeled her addition a “top priority” during her introductory press conference.
“DiJonai was arguably the best guard defender in all the league in 2024,” Miller said. “Adding her was a top priority. We needed someone to help us remake the defensive identity of this team.”
But Carrington’s high-motor defense couldn’t offset Dallas’ structural challenges. The Wings remained 10th in defensive rating, and Carrington’s offensive limitations created further hurdles. Among 53 WNBA players with at least 200 half-court possessions, she ranked last in points per possession (0.634 PPP), struggling as a spot-up shooter and pick-and-roll creator.
“It’s definitely an adjustment,” Carrington said of being moved to a bench role. “It was hard for me just being that the whole point of me coming to Dallas was to expand my role.”
Head coach Chris Koclanes valued Carrington’s effort but acknowledged the inconsistency that followed.
“[DiJonai] brings an energy that’s different from anyone else. She’s not perfect, but she plays so hard defensively and consistently runs the floor,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “We need that version of her consistently.”
Dallas Wings Target Size, Versatility with Diamond Miller Addition
Dallas’ return centers on Diamond Miller, a 6-foot-3 wing who has yet to find her rhythm in Minnesota but offers the type of two-way versatility the Wings are seeking. Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, is averaging 9.7 minutes per game this season but has shot a career-best 53.8% from three-point range, albeit on limited attempts.
“Her size and athleticism, number one, but her speed up and down the floor too,” Koclanes said. “She plays downhill, puts pressure on the rim and the paint. If we can create the right space, she’ll find opportunities to attack closeouts and get to the rim. That’d be great.”
The Wings envision Miller as a foundational piece for a revamped wing rotation that emphasizes size, pace, and defensive flexibility. Maddy Siegrist, who is nearing a return from a knee injury, sees Miller’s addition as a perfect fit.
“She’s an unbelievable athlete,” Siegrist told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think she’ll bring a lot of versatility to our team, defensively and offensively. Excited to get her here.”
Haley Jones echoed Siegrist’s sentiment, citing Miller’s ability to contribute across all facets.
“Yeah, another long, versatile player,” Jones told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She can score from all three levels. She’s a really physical defender, too. We’re excited to have her and to have her do a lot of different things.”
Post-Trade Rotation: “There Will Be Big Minutes”
With Carrington’s minutes now up for grabs, Koclanes plans to lean on Miller and Siegrist in expanded roles, particularly in big-wing lineups. Aziaha James is also expected to see increased playing time, especially on the defensive end.
“Maddy, right? There’s a spot right there for her as a wing,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “And when Diamond gets here, there will be big minutes for those two as big wings. They’re very different in terms of their skill sets, so that’s good.”
Siegrist, who will initially be on a minutes restriction, is projected to reclaim a key spot in the rotation as a floor-spacer and offensive rebounder. James, a rookie, will be tasked with replicating Carrington’s defensive energy while gaining valuable experience.
“Aziaha—more opportunity for her to play through some mistakes and get more experience competing defensively,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Karlie Samuelson, included in the trade primarily for salary-matching purposes, brings a veteran shooting presence to Dallas. Samuelson, who is recovering from season-ending foot surgery, holds a career 39.2% mark from three-point range and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Dallas Wings Waive Teaira McCowan to Complete Trade
To finalize the trade, Dallas waived veteran center Teaira McCowan, ending her four-year stint with the franchise. McCowan departs as the Wings’ all-time leader in field goal percentage (.570) and ranks sixth in franchise history with 896 rebounds.
“It’s what I do. It’s what I’ve been doing my whole entire career,” McCowan said after a 12-point, 13-rebound performance against Las Vegas in one of her final outings. “So, I just went out and showcased it today.”
Despite her production, McCowan struggled to maintain a consistent role in a crowded frontcourt that recently added Li Yueru and Luisa Geiselsoder. With the Wings prioritizing versatility and floor spacing, McCowan became the odd player out.
ESPN Sees Sensible Pivot for Dallas Wings, Playoff-Boost for Minnesota Lynx
ESPN’s assessment of the trade was clear: the Lynx earned an “A-” for shoring up their perimeter defense ahead of a title push, while Dallas received a “B” for a sensible pivot toward long-term development.
The Wings salvaged value from a situation that wasn’t working, adding a young prospect in Miller and a future second-round pick while creating playing time for key developing players. Minnesota, meanwhile, filled a critical defensive gap without sacrificing core assets, bolstering their playoff rotation.
As Koclanes put it, the Wings remain focused on internal growth.
“We’re a young team, learning and growing together,” Koclanes said. “Every possession is an opportunity to build the right habits. The rest of it, we don’t control. Our focus is on being great teammates and getting better every day.”
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers Earns Second Consecutive WNBA Rookie of the Month Honor
- WNBA News: “There Will Be Big Minutes”: Dallas Wings to Lean on Diamond Miller, Maddy Siegrist After DiJonai Carrington Trade
- WNBA News: “We’re Easing Her Back”: Maddy Siegrist Expected to Play vs. New York Liberty, Faces Minutes Restriction
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings Trade DiJonai Carrington to Minnesota Lynx, Waive Teaira McCowan
- WNBA News: “We’re Focused on Us”: Dallas Wings’ Chris Koclanes Unfazed by DiJonai Carrington Trade Rumors
