As the WNBA trade deadline approaches, Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes insists his team remains focused internally, even as trade speculation surrounding guard DiJonai Carrington continues to circulate.
“They sure do,” Koclanes said when asked if trade rumors impact team culture. “But that’s part of pro sports. When we’re in that locker room, we’re a team. We’re focused on being great teammates and handling our business together.”
Carrington, 27, has emerged as a player to monitor ahead of the Aug. 7 deadline. ESPN’s Alexa Philippou recently reported that Carrington’s name has been mentioned in league conversations, even after Dallas traded NaLyssa Smith in a midseason deal.
DiJonai Carrington Adjusting to Role Shift as Trade Deadline Nears
Carrington played 16 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Indiana Fever, finishing with four points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block. She also committed five turnovers and shot 25.0% from the field. For the season, she is averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 24.9 minutes per game, shooting 35.4% overall and 26.0% from three-point range.
“It’s definitely an adjustment,” Carrington said earlier this month. “It was hard for me just being that the whole point of me coming to Dallas was to expand my role. So, I feel like, not that coming off the bench means it’s diminished, but sort of in a sense, a little bit.”
Despite the role change, Carrington has remained integral to Dallas’ defensive identity. General manager Curt Miller, who drafted Carrington during his time with the Connecticut Sun, called her addition a priority in reshaping the team’s defensive culture.
“DiJonai was arguably the best guard defender in all the league in 2024,” Miller said during Carrington’s introductory press conference. “Adding her was a top priority. We needed someone to help us remake the defensive identity of this team.”
Dallas Wings Maintain Focus on Culture Amid External Speculation
Her teammates have echoed that sentiment.
“She’s the head of the snake when it comes to defense,” Myisha Hines-Allen said. “She knows exactly what the other team’s best player wants to do and how to take that away.”
While Carrington’s offensive role has fluctuated, Koclanes continues to stress the importance of team unity amid external speculation.
“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.”
Dallas (8-21) will face the New York Liberty on Tuesday at Barclays Center, holding a 1-0 edge in the season series.
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
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- WNBA News: “We’re Growing”: Dallas Wings Fall to Atlanta Dream as Naz Hillmon’s Clutch Three Seals Back-and-Forth Battle
- WNBA Rumors: Dallas Wings’ DiJonai Carrington Emerges as Trade Candidate Before WNBA’s Midseason Deadline
- WNBA Rumors: WNBA Trade Idea Pairs Dallas Wings Forward with Caitlin Clark on Indiana Fever
