Dallas Wings sign defensive ace Alanna Smith to 3-year deal

Free agent Alanna Smith joins the Wings after earning co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:36am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in the official team colors of the Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx.The Dallas Wings' acquisition of defensive standout Alanna Smith adds a new dimension to their roster as they aim to build on their recent success.Chicago Today

The Dallas Wings have signed free agent Alanna Smith to a three-year max contract. Smith, a 6-foot-4 forward, was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 while playing for the Minnesota Lynx. She joins the Wings as part of a productive free agency period for the franchise, which also re-signed Arike Ogunbowale and Awak Kuier and acquired Jessica Shepard.

Why it matters

The addition of Smith bolsters the Wings' frontcourt and gives them one of the more versatile and dominant defensive players in the WNBA. Her signing comes as the Wings look to build on their success and challenge for a championship after drafting Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers in 2025.

The details

Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game for the Lynx last season. The seven-year veteran was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 and has also played for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky before signing with Minnesota in 2024. She won a bronze medal with Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics and an Unrivaled championship with Mist B.C. this offseason.

  • Smith was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.
  • Smith joins the Wings as part of their 2026 free agency period.

The players

Alanna Smith

A 6-foot-4 forward who was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 while playing for the Minnesota Lynx. She has signed a three-year max contract with the Dallas Wings.

Arike Ogunbowale

A star player for the Dallas Wings who the team re-signed during the 2026 free agency period.

Awak Kuier

A player for the Dallas Wings who the team re-signed during the 2026 free agency period.

Jessica Shepard

A player who the Dallas Wings acquired during the 2026 free agency period.

Paige Bueckers

The Rookie of the Year in 2025, who the Dallas Wings drafted with the No. 1 overall pick that year.

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What they’re saying

“Alanna Smith has emerged as one of the top defensive players in the WNBA, and we're thrilled to add her to our roster as we continue building a championship contender.”

— Cynt Marshall, CEO, Dallas Wings

What’s next

The Wings will look to integrate Smith into their lineup as they prepare for the 2026 WNBA season, where they will aim to build on their success and challenge for a championship.

The takeaway

The signing of Alanna Smith is a major coup for the Dallas Wings, as they add one of the WNBA's premier defensive players to a roster that already includes rising stars like Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers. This move positions the Wings as a formidable contender in the Western Conference and underscores their commitment to building a championship-caliber team.