For Lynx fans, the stakes have never felt higher. Sitting in first place with the playoffs looming, Minnesota made a massive move that could change everything. Swapping stars with the Dallas Wings, the Lynx are clearly pushing for another banner, leaving fans to wonder: Will this blockbuster trade bring home title number five, or just shake up the WNBA race even more?
What Does DiJonai Carrington’s Arrival Mean for the Minnesota Lynx Playoff Run?
Around three-quarters of the 2024-25 campaign are in the books, and the Lynx have their eyes on a fifth championship. Holding on to first place in the standings, Minnesota just made a headline-grabbing trade, sending Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Dallas Wings for 2024 Most Improved Player DiJonai Carrington.
This move comes with big expectations. The Lynx, already stacked with talent, just added a premier defensive presence to the mix. With one foot in the playoffs, Minnesota is showing they are all-in as they hunt for that elusive next title.
Last year, Cheryl Reeve’s squad was one win away from the WNBA crown, falling in heartbreak to the New York Liberty in a deciding Game 5 of the Finals. Now, the Lynx are going all out to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself. Their 24-5 record and dominating 15-1 mark at home set the stage, but what really stands out is a defense that has held opponents to just 75.4 points a game, best in the league. Now with 2024 All-Defensive First Team guard Carrington joining the group, Minnesota’s defensive unit could be the most feared in the league.
On Sunday, Minnesota announced Carrington’s arrival in a trade that shipped Miller, Samuelson, and a future pick to Dallas. The message is clear: Minnesota is doubling down on its strengths and aiming to be the team no one wants to face in the playoffs.
Full summary of Dallas Wings transactions:
Dallas Wings Receive: Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, Minnesota’s 2027 Second Round pick
Dallas Wings Waive: Teaira McCowan
Minnesota Lynx Receive: DiJonai Carrington
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) August 3, 2025
On top of the trade, Dallas also made waves by waiving center Teaira McCowan.
Carrington now brings her defensive firepower to Minnesota after splitting her career between the Connecticut Sun and the Wings. In her fifth year, she had played 20 games, starting 13, with Dallas before becoming the key piece in this midseason blockbuster. The Wings’ focus seemed to shift to rebuilding as they sent the 27-year-old to Minnesota.
OFFICIAL: The Dallas Wings have traded guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson and Minnesota’s 2027 second round pick. pic.twitter.com/7jxBKLymhr
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 3, 2025
For Carrington, 2024 has already been a breakout year. She put up 12.7 points, five rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest, leading to the league’s Most Improved Player award.
While Carrington’s scoring might not jump off the page, her defensive impact is where she truly changes games. The Lynx just added a top-tier talent who brings energy and grit every night, making their already tough defense even more dangerous.
The New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, and Indiana Fever are still major threats, but with Carrington now teaming up with All-Stars Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, and Kayla McBride, Minnesota comes into the postseason looking like clear favorites. With the playoffs coming up fast, the WNBA just got a lot more interesting.
