The WNBA’s trade deadline is looming, and contenders are scrambling to upgrade their rosters within the league’s salary cap constraints. On Sunday, the Minnesota Lynx made a key move, acquiring reigning Most Improved Player DiJonai Carrington from the Dallas Wings in exchange for Diamond Miller, injured Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick.
The Seattle Storm sent Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke, and their 2026 first-round pick to the Washington Mystics for Brittney Sykes. Sykes brings a unique skillset to the Storm’s offense, including her ability to draw fouls and shoot from the free throw line. She is expected to upgrade the team’s offense and add depth to their perimeter.
The Lynx now have a solid defensive system in place, with Carrington joining Kayla McBride as two of the top defenders on the roster. However, there may be concerns about how she fits into the lineup, particularly with regards to shooting percentages. The Storm also gained cap space to make room for an additional player.
The Mystics’ decision to trade Clark was likely driven by financial considerations, as her salary is nearly identical to Sykes’. However, the pick is a significant prize, and Washington may try to add to their stockpile of draft picks in the coming days.
Overall, these trades demonstrate the competitive nature of the WNBA and the efforts of teams to improve their rosters before the deadline. The Storm’s addition of Sykes and the Lynx’s acquisition of Carrington are expected to have a significant impact on the remainder of the season.
Source: https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45894153/wnba-2025-trade-deadline-grades-report-card-analysis-winners-losers-reaction