DiJonai Carrington Trade: Minnesota Lynx Land Rising Star in Major WNBA Shake-Up

In a move that has stunned WNBA fans and analysts alike, the Minnesota Lynx have pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire DiJonai Carrington, the explosive guard known for her defensive tenacity and on-court firepower. The Dallas Wings, in return, receive Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick making this one of the most intriguing trades of the 2025 season.

Breaking Down the Trade Details

• Minnesota Lynx receive:
  • DiJonai Carrington (SG, 5’11”, Age: 26)
• Dallas Wings receive:
  • Diamond Miller (G/F, 6’3″, Age: 24)
  • Karlie Samuelson (G/F, 6’0″, Age: 29)
  • 2027 2nd-round draft pick

The trade was finalized on August 2, 2025, just before the mid-season trade deadline, signaling a bold move by the Lynx to strengthen their playoff run.

“Carrington brings us toughness, versatility, and a relentless motor,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said in a statement. “She’s exactly what we need.”

Who Is DiJonai Carrington?

A Rising Defensive Force

Carrington, a Stanford alum and former All-Defensive Second Team honoree, has built a reputation as one of the league’s fiercest perimeter defenders. Known for her hustle plays, energy off the bench, and leadership qualities, Carrington has averaged:

• 10.4 PPG
• 5.1 RPG
• 1.6 SPG
• 45.2% FG

She’s also become a fan favorite for her passion, vocal presence, and active community involvement.

Career Highlights

• Helped lead the Connecticut Sun to two playoff runs (2022–2023)
• WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year Finalist (2023)
• Named “Defensive Engine” by ESPN analysts in 2024

What This Means for the Minnesota Lynx

With a strong 24–5 record, the Lynx are clearly pushing all their chips in for a title run. The addition of Carrington gives them:

• Elite defense on the perimeter
• A transition scorer to complement Napheesa Collier
• Bench depth in a possible Finals run

Carrington’s arrival also energizes the Lynx fanbase, which has rallied behind the team’s championship hopes after a dominant first half of the season.

What Did the Wings Gain?

While trading Carrington may have raised eyebrows, the Dallas Wings receive:

• Diamond Miller, a versatile and athletic scorer with upside
• Karlie Samuelson, a veteran sharpshooter with playoff experience
• 2027 second-round pick, which adds long-term draft capital

The Wings appear to be retooling their roster around younger core players, and Miller’s ceiling could pay off big in coming seasons.

Analysts React to the DiJonai Carrington Trade

The WNBA world quickly reacted on X (formerly Twitter), with analysts and fans calling it a win-win.

@WNBAInsider: “Carrington to the Lynx is major. Her hustle + Collier’s consistency = nightmare defense.”

ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike: “This is the kind of trade that shifts playoff dynamics. Don’t sleep on the Lynx.”

What’s Next?

Carrington is expected to debut in the Lynx’s upcoming home game against the Phoenix Mercury. All eyes will be on her chemistry with Collier, McBride, and Jefferson.

Meanwhile, the Wings will test their new lineup against the Seattle Storm, hoping the youth movement brings fresh energy.

The DiJonai Carrington trade isn’t just a roster move, it’s a signal. The Lynx are hungry for another championship, and Carrington may be the missing piece. As playoff pressure builds, this trade could go down as one of the season’s defining moments.