ARLINGTON, Texas (Aug. 3, 2025) — The Dallas Wings shook up their roster Sunday evening, finalizing a trade that sends guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for forward Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round draft pick. To make room for the incoming players, the Wings also announced they have waived veteran center Teaira McCowan.
The deal signals a significant roster shift for both franchises as they prepare for the playoff push in the second half of the WNBA season.
Carrington Heads North
Carrington, 26, was acquired by the Wings in a four-team trade this past February and quickly became a vital piece of Dallas’ rotation. In 20 games this season, including 13 starts, she has averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals, providing Dallas with energy on both ends of the floor.
Known for her tenacity and versatility, Carrington joins a Lynx squad already in the thick of the Western Conference playoff hunt. Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve praised Carrington’s skill set, calling her “a competitor who impacts the game in multiple ways.”
“She’s someone who brings defense, rebounding, and scoring ability,” Reeve said in a team statement. “We’re excited about what DiJonai adds to our group as we push forward.”
Dallas Gains Diamond
Headlining the return for Dallas is Diamond Miller, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. At 6-foot-3, Miller earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2023 after finishing among the top five rookies in scoring, rebounding, and assists.
Though her offensive role has been limited this season, Miller has been deadly from beyond the arc, leading all forwards in three-point percentage at 53.8%. In 25 games, she has averaged 4.1 points on 47.6% shooting overall.
The Maryland product, who was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and 2023 WBCA All-American, has long been touted as a high-ceiling forward capable of becoming a franchise cornerstone.
“Diamond has the talent and work ethic to thrive here,” Wings head coach Chris Koclanes said. “We believe this is the right environment for her to take that next step.”
Samuelson Adds Shooting Depth
Also joining the Wings is veteran guard Karlie Samuelson, a reliable floor spacer with six seasons of WNBA experience. Samuelson has appeared in 121 career games, averaging 5.3 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 39.2% from three-point range.
The Stanford graduate has been limited to 16 appearances this year after undergoing foot surgery but is expected to provide the Wings with veteran leadership and much-needed outside shooting as the season progresses.
McCowan Era Ends in Dallas
In a corresponding move, the Wings parted ways with Teaira McCowan, who had been with the team since 2022. The 6-foot-7 center has been one of the league’s most consistent interior presences, averaging double-figure scoring and at least seven rebounds in six of her first seven seasons.
This year, McCowan averaged 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 53.7% from the field. She departs as the franchise’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (.570), sixth in total rebounds (896), and seventh in blocks (103).
“Teaira has been a steady presence for our franchise,” Wings general manager Greg Bibb said. “We thank her for her contributions and wish her the very best moving forward.”
Looking Ahead
For Dallas, the addition of Miller and Samuelson represents a strategic shift toward a more perimeter-oriented attack. Miller’s upside as a versatile forward and Samuelson’s proven shooting could provide the Wings with an offensive spark to complement Arike Ogunbowale’s scoring punch.
Minnesota, meanwhile, gains an immediate impact player in Carrington, whose defense and rebounding fit the Lynx’s gritty style under Reeve.
The Wings (currently battling for playoff seeding) will debut their revamped roster later this week, while the Lynx are expected to integrate Carrington into their rotation immediately.
As the playoff picture tightens, Sunday’s trade could prove pivotal for both clubs as they chase postseason success.
