STWF Sports | ARLINGTON, Texas | April 11, 2026 — The Dallas Wings made one of the most significant moves of the WNBA offseason on Saturday, signing reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith to a multi-year agreement. The addition signals Dallas’ clear intent to elevate its defensive presence while adding versatility to an already evolving roster.

Smith, a 6-foot-4 forward known for her rim protection and defensive instincts, arrives in Arlington following two standout seasons with the Minnesota Lynx. In 2025, she delivered a breakout campaign, earning Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors and a selection to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team after anchoring one of the league’s most disruptive defenses.

For Dallas Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller, Smith was the centerpiece of the team’s free agency strategy.

“Alanna Smith was our top target going into free agency after her outstanding 2025 season,” Miller said. “As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball. From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility — she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively, we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside.”

Alanna Smith: A Game-Changer for the Dallas Wings

Smith’s 2025 season was defined by consistency and impact across multiple facets of the game. Appearing in and starting 42 regular-season contests, she averaged 9.6 points on 48.5 percent shooting, along with 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Her defensive production placed her among the league’s elite, finishing third in both blocks per game and total blocks with 80 — a figure that set a single-season franchise record for Minnesota.

Her shot-blocking presence has become a defining element of her game. Smith has ranked among the top seven in blocks in each of the last three WNBA seasons, and her ability to protect the rim without sacrificing mobility makes her a unique asset in today’s pace-and-space era. She also showcased her defensive versatility with standout performances, including a career-high six steals against Chicago and a six-block outing against Washington.

Beyond her defensive accolades, Smith demonstrated her all-around value by becoming the only player in the WNBA last season to record at least 400 points, 200 rebounds, 100 assists, 80 blocks, and 50 made three-pointers — a testament to her ability to contribute in every phase of the game.

Her addition provides Dallas with a critical piece as the team continues to build a balanced roster capable of competing in a loaded Western Conference. Smith’s presence in the frontcourt offers rim protection, defensive flexibility, and spacing on offense — attributes that align with the Wings’ evolving identity.

Internationally, Smith has also maintained a strong presence with the Australian national team. The Hobart native recently helped the Opals secure a perfect 5–0 record at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, averaging 11.6 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds. She was previously named to the All-Star Five at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Australia earned a bronze medal, further solidifying her status as one of the top global talents in women’s basketball.

Her success extends beyond national team play. Smith has competed professionally across multiple international leagues, including stints in South Korea, Poland, Turkey, China, and Australia. During the most recent offseason, she joined Mist Basketball Club in the Unrivaled league, contributing to a championship run alongside Wings teammates, further strengthening chemistry within the Dallas roster.

Originally selected eighth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, Smith has steadily developed into one of the league’s premier two-way forwards. Her journey through Phoenix, Indiana, Chicago, and Minnesota reflects a career built on persistence and growth, culminating in her current status as an elite defensive force.

For the Wings, the signing represents more than just adding talent — it is a strategic move to establish a defensive identity capable of complementing their offensive firepower. As the 2026 season approaches, Smith’s arrival positions Dallas to take a meaningful step forward, with a roster increasingly built to compete on both ends of the floor.