Alanna Smith signs with Dallas Wings after 2 seasons with Minnesota Lynx

The Australian center was named Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-Defensive First Team in 2023.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the vibrant colors of the Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx uniforms overlapping in sharp geometric planes.Alanna Smith's move from the Minnesota Lynx to the Dallas Wings represents a major shift in the WNBA landscape, as one of the league's top defensive players joins a new team.Indianapolis Today

Alanna Smith, a former No. 8 overall draft pick, has signed a 3-year max contract with the Dallas Wings in free agency after spending the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx. Smith penned a heartfelt goodbye to the Lynx organization and fans, thanking them for welcoming her with open arms as an Australian player.

Why it matters

Smith's departure is a significant loss for the Lynx, as she emerged as one of the league's premier defensive centers last season. Her signing with the Wings gives them a dominant interior presence to build around alongside their young core.

The details

After struggling to find her footing early in her career, Smith had a breakout 2023 season with the Lynx, averaging 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. She was named the Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-Defensive First Team.

  • Smith played the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx.
  • On April 12, 2026, Smith agreed to sign a 3-year max contract with the Dallas Wings in free agency.

The players

Alanna Smith

A 26-year-old center who was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. She spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, emerging as one of the league's top defensive players.

Minnesota Lynx

The WNBA team that Alanna Smith played for the past two seasons, where she won Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-Defensive First Team.

Dallas Wings

The WNBA team that Alanna Smith has signed a 3-year max contract with in free agency, giving them a dominant interior presence to build around.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me. This team and this city embraced me and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms. Forever will hold a special place in my heart. Thank you.”

— Alanna Smith

What’s next

Smith's signing with the Wings will be a major storyline heading into the 2026 WNBA season, as she looks to continue her defensive dominance with her new team.

The takeaway

Alanna Smith's departure from the Minnesota Lynx is a significant loss, as she emerged as one of the league's premier defensive centers. However, her signing with the Dallas Wings gives them a strong interior anchor to build around as they look to contend in the Western Conference.