The WNBA landscape shifted dramatically on Saturday with the stunning news that the Dallas Wings have acquired guard DiJonai Carrington, the league’s reigning Most Improved Player, in a blockbuster trade with the Connecticut Sun. The deal, confirmed by sources to ESPN, sends shockwaves through the league as both franchises undergo major transformations heading into the 2025 season.
The Trade Details
In exchange for Carrington, the Wings are sending the Sun the No. 8 pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft along with guard Jacy Sheldon, the No. 5 overall selection just last year in 2024. Connecticut will also receive the rights to swap second-round picks with Dallas in the 2026 draft.
“This was an opportunity to acquire a rising star in DiJonai while also adding assets to help us retool for the future,” said Wings GM Curt Miller of the trade.
Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller
For Dallas, landing the 24-year-old Carrington provides an instant boost to a roster looking to vault into title contention. The athletic, defensive-minded guard broke out in a major way for the Sun in 2024, posting career-highs across the board with 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game en route to Most Improved Player honors. Carrington’s relentless on-ball pressure also earned her a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive First Team.
Carrington’s Continued Rise
Drafted 20th overall out of Baylor in 2021, Carrington initially struggled to find consistent minutes on a veteran-laden Sun squad. But the departure of several key players opened the door for an expanded role, and Carrington burst through it with force. Now, she joins a Dallas team positioned to fully unleash her vast potential.
- All-around impact: Carrington stuffs the stat sheet on both ends of the floor
- Defensive dynamo: Reputation as one of the WNBA’s most tenacious individual defenders
- Untapped upside: At just 24, Carrington is only beginning to scratch the surface of her abilities
In Dallas, Carrington will be reunited with head coach Chris Koclanes, who served as an assistant with the Sun during her first two WNBA seasons. That familiarity, combined with the chance to grow alongside the Wings’ young core, sets the stage for Carrington to soar to even greater heights.
Connecticut’s Reloading Effort
For the Sun, moving on from Carrington marks the latest in a series of bold moves to reshape the roster under new head coach Rachid Meziane. Connecticut has now parted with four starters from their 2024 team either via trade or free agency: Carrington, Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix), Brionna Jones (Atlanta), and Tyasha Harris (Dallas). DeWanna Bonner, the lone remaining starter, is an unrestricted free agent.
In Sheldon, the Sun acquire a promising young guard to help replace some of Carrington’s production. The former Ohio State standout appeared in all 40 games for Dallas as a rookie, starting 26, while averaging 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. The added draft capital also aids Connecticut’s retooling efforts as they construct a new core around Meziane’s vision.
Ripple Effects in Dallas
Carrington’s arrival bolsters what was already shaping up as a dynamic backcourt in Dallas. She’ll slot in alongside the recently acquired Tyasha Harris, her former Connecticut teammate, as the Wings look to erase the sting of last year’s first-round playoff exit.
The added defensive intensity and open-court athleticism Carrington brings should mesh seamlessly with the up-tempo style favored by head coach Tosh Newman. Her ability to guard multiple positions also affords Dallas greater lineup flexibility as they match up with the league’s elite.
“DiJonai is exactly the kind of player we want to build around. Her toughness, her motor, and her desire to compete at the highest level embody everything we’re about as a team.”
Dallas Wings head coach Tosh Newman
Off the court, Carrington’s tireless work ethic and humble demeanor make her an ideal fit with the close-knit culture the Wings have cultivated. As she continues to expand her game, the former Most Improved Player could soon find herself in the conversation for even greater individual accolades.
A New Era Dawns
As the WNBA’s free agency period rolls on, the Wings’ acquisition of DiJonai Carrington signals their intent to crash the championship-contender party in 2025. For a Connecticut Sun team in the midst of a roster overhaul, the trade marks a significant step in a new direction as they lay the foundation for the franchise’s next chapter.
The reverberations from Saturday’s blockbuster will be felt across the WNBA landscape in the weeks and months to come. But for now, as the league’s contenders load up for a run at the title, it’s the Dallas Wings who have made the boldest statement yet. With DiJonai Carrington added to an already potent mix, the Wings have put the rest of the WNBA on notice: Their time is now.
