The Dallas Wings just said sayonara to their most controversial player, This is the same player who poked Caitlin Clark of WNBA Indiana Fever in the eye during the playoffs, injured her own teammate Paige Bueckers of WNBA Dallas Wings while trying to hurt Jessica Shepard, and created such chaos during a Angel Reese WNBA Chicago Sky game that officials literally called for security. Four flagrant fouls this season alone tell you everything you need to know about why Dallas couldn’t wait to get rid of her.

In a move that’s set the WNBA world buzzing, the Dallas Wings have traded guard D.J. Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx after a season marked by on-court controversy, high-profile fouls, and mounting public scrutiny. In return, Dallas receives rising star Diamond Miller, veteran Carly Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round draft pick—a trade that many fans are calling a much-needed reset for the franchise.

A Season of Scrutiny

Carrington’s time in Dallas was nothing if not eventful. The 2025 season saw the guard embroiled in a series of incidents that drew criticism from fans, analysts, and even league officials. The most talked-about moment? An infamous eye poke to Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark during the playoffs—a play that left Clark with a black eye and the basketball world in shock.

But the controversy didn’t stop there. Carrington was involved in several other high-profile fouls, including a flagrant called after contact with Skylar Diggins-Smith of the Seattle Storm and a play against Minnesota that resulted in her own teammate, Paige Bueckers, getting injured while Carrington attempted to block Jessica Shepard’s shot. With four flagrant fouls on her record this season, Carrington’s aggressive style became a focal point for debate about where to draw the line between tough defense and dangerous play.

When Toughness Crosses the Line

“Intent matters,” said one analyst on a recent broadcast. “There’s a difference between a tough defender and a player who puts others at risk.” Many fans echoed this sentiment on social media, with some calling for Carrington’s suspension and others questioning Dallas management’s patience.

Carrington, for her part, has publicly denied any intent to injure, stating after the Clark incident, “I didn’t know I hit her, actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball and I guess I followed through and I hit her. It’s never intentional. That’s not the type of player I am.” Still, repeated incidents made it difficult for the Wings to defend her style of play, especially as frustration mounted among teammates and opponents alike.

The Breaking Point: Security Called During Game
Perhaps the most telling moment came during a tense post-game exchange with referee Roy Gulbeyan after a loss to the Chicago Sky. The situation escalated to the point where Gulbeyan called for security backup—a highly unusual move in professional basketball. While Carrington later described the conversation as “civil,” the optics were hard to ignore.

The episode became a tipping point for many, with fans and commentators alike questioning whether Carrington’s presence was becoming a distraction. “When referees need security to handle a player, you’re not just talking about basketball anymore,” noted one commentator. “That’s a sign something’s gone off the rails.”

Trade Details: A New Era for Dallas, a Gamble for Minnesota
On August 4, the Dallas Wings announced they were sending Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Diamond Miller, Carly Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick. For Dallas, it’s a chance to move forward. Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, averaged 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists as a rookie, and is shooting an impressive 53.8% from three-point range this season. Samuelson brings experience and reliable shooting, despite a recent foot injury.

For Minnesota, currently boasting a 24-5 record and eyeing a championship run, the move is a calculated risk. The Lynx are betting that head coach Cheryl Reeve’s leadership can channel Carrington’s energy into positive contributions on the court. But with the team already dealing with injuries—star forward Napheesa Collier recently left a game with an ankle sprain—the margin for error is slim.

Locker Room Dynamics and Fan Reactions
Inside the Dallas locker room, the trade was met with a sense of relief. Reports suggest that Carrington’s style had begun to wear thin on teammates, some of whom worried about their own safety during games and practices. “When you’re worried about getting hurt by your own teammate, that’s a problem,” said a source close to the team.

Dallas fans, meanwhile, celebrated the move. Social media lit up with messages of support for the new arrivals and a collective sigh of relief that the drama had finally ended. “No more explaining away dirty plays,” wrote one fan. “We can finally focus on basketball again.”

Can Carrington Turn It Around in Minnesota?
The big question now: Can Carrington reinvent herself with the Lynx? Minnesota has a reputation for strong team culture and disciplined play under Coach Reeve. If Carrington can harness her defensive intensity without crossing the line, she could become a valuable asset for a team with championship aspirations. If not, her time in Minnesota could be short-lived.

“Bring your game, not your name,” one analyst advised. “This is a team that doesn’t tolerate nonsense. If Carrington wants to stick around, she’ll need to let her play—not her reputation—do the talking.”

The Bigger Picture: WNBA at a Crossroads
Carrington’s trade is more than just a roster move—it’s a sign that the WNBA is paying closer attention to player conduct and safety. The league has faced increasing scrutiny for how it handles aggressive play, and Dallas’s decision to move on from Carrington may set a precedent for other teams.

As the Wings look to rebuild around young talent and the Lynx roll the dice on a high-risk, high-reward player, one thing is clear: the conversation about toughness, intent, and player safety in women’s basketball isn’t going away anytime soon.