Dallas Wings Trade DiJonai Carrington to Lynx, Waive Teaira McCowan

The Dallas Wings executed a trade early Sunday, sending guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx while waiving center Teaira McCowan. This move marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as they navigate the WNBA landscape.

In return for Carrington, the Wings will receive Lynx guard Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson, and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft. This transaction comes just ahead of the league's August 7 deadline, intensifying the urgency for teams to finalize their rosters.

Carrington, 27, has made a name for herself this season, being named an All-Star and recognized as the league's Most Improved Player for 2024. She joined the Wings earlier this year from the Connecticut Sun in a blockbuster trade that reshaped the team’s dynamics.

This trade marks the second significant player movement from that deal; forward NaLyssa Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Aces in June for a first-round pick in 2027. Fans are left reeling as they had high hopes for this revamped Wings squad, especially with rookie Paige Bueckers joining the roster.

Initially a starter, Carrington has transitioned to a bench role recently. Over 20 games this season, she has started 13 times, averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

The Lynx currently lead the WNBA standings and are strong contenders for the championship, contrasting sharply with the Wings, who find themselves in 11th place. This trade signals Dallas's intent to rebuild with one of the youngest rosters in the league.

McCowan, acquired from the Indiana Fever in 2022, has been a consistent performer throughout her career, averaging double figures and at least seven rebounds per game in six of her first seven seasons. Standing at 6-7 and hailing from Mississippi State, she has played in 17 games this season, contributing 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Like Carrington, she began the season as a starter but has primarily come off the bench.

As the August 7 deadline approaches, speculation surrounds McCowan's future—will another team take a chance on her? Only time will reveal the answer.

Miller has been with the Lynx for two seasons, averaging 7.1 points per game, while Samuelson joined via an April trade and was averaging 3.3 points before suffering a season-ending injury to her left foot.