Alanna Smith agrees to 3-year max contract with Wings

The Dallas Wings make a major free agency move by signing the Defensive Player of the Year

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:03am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-angled movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, using bold navy, green, and orange colors to capture the dynamism of the sport.The Dallas Wings' new defensive anchor, Alanna Smith, will bring her elite rim protection and playmaking skills to a promising young roster.Chicago Today

The Dallas Wings have agreed to a 3-year max contract with free agent Alanna Smith, who won the Defensive Player of the Year Award last season with the Minnesota Lynx. Smith joins a promising young core in Dallas that includes Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers, and the Wings' 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick.

Why it matters

The addition of Smith gives the Wings one of the best interior defenders in the WNBA and bolsters their chances of making a deep playoff run. Her defensive presence, combined with the offensive firepower of Ogunbowale and Bueckers, makes the Wings a formidable team in the Western Conference.

The details

Smith is coming off a standout season with the Lynx, where she averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. She was named to the All-Defensive First Team and won the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Wings were able to sign Smith to a 3-year max contract, luring her away from the Lynx.

  • Alanna Smith agreed to the 3-year max contract with the Dallas Wings on April 12, 2026.

The players

Alanna Smith

A 26-year-old power forward who was the 2023 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year with the Minnesota Lynx.

Arike Ogunbowale

A star guard for the Dallas Wings who recently re-signed with the team on a multi-year contract.

Paige Bueckers

A highly touted rookie who was selected by the Dallas Wings with the 1st overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.

Dallas Wings

The professional women's basketball team based in Dallas, Texas that competes in the WNBA.

Minnesota Lynx

The professional women's basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that competes in the WNBA.

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What they’re saying

“Alanna Smith is one of the best two-way players in the league, and we're thrilled to add her to our roster. Her defensive presence and ability to impact the game on both ends will be invaluable as we build towards a championship.”

— Greg Bibb, President and CEO, Dallas Wings

What’s next

The Wings will look to integrate Smith into their lineup and continue building chemistry with the team's young core ahead of the 2023 WNBA season.

The takeaway

The Dallas Wings have made a major splash in free agency, signing one of the best defensive players in the league in Alanna Smith. This move, combined with the team's existing talent, positions the Wings as a top contender in the Western Conference and sets them up for long-term success.