Dallas Wings land 2025 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

Alanna Smith signs max contract to join Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale in Dallas

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color.The Dallas Wings' acquisition of Alanna Smith, the 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, signals a new era of defensive-minded basketball in the Lone Star State.Minneapolis Today

In a major free agency move, the Dallas Wings have signed 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith to a max contract. Smith, who previously played for the Minnesota Lynx, will now team up with 2026 No. 1 Draft Pick Paige Bueckers and veteran Arike Ogunbowale to bolster the Wings' frontcourt and defensive capabilities.

Why it matters

This signing immediately boosts the Dallas Wings' championship aspirations, as they now have a formidable trio of Bueckers, Ogunbowale, and Smith leading the way. The addition of Smith's defensive prowess and rim protection should make the Wings a much tougher team to score on, while also complementing the offensive talents of Bueckers and Ogunbowale.

The details

Smith, who was previously waived by the Lynx just a few seasons ago, has now signed a three-year max contract worth $1.19 million per year to join the Wings. She will provide a much-needed presence in the Dallas frontcourt and should immediately boost their defensive capabilities. Smith and Ogunbowale also have existing chemistry, having just won an Unrivaled championship together last month.

  • Alanna Smith was named the 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
  • Smith signed a three-year max contract with the Dallas Wings on April 12, 2026.

The players

Alanna Smith

A 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year who has signed a max contract to join the Dallas Wings.

Paige Bueckers

The 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick of the Dallas Wings, who will now team up with Alanna Smith and Arike Ogunbowale.

Arike Ogunbowale

A veteran WNBA player who will form a formidable trio with Alanna Smith and Paige Bueckers on the Dallas Wings.

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What’s next

All eyes are now on the Dallas Wings and who they will select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, as they look to build out the depth around their new trio of Bueckers, Ogunbowale, and Smith.

The takeaway

The Dallas Wings have made a major splash in free agency, landing the 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year in Alanna Smith. This signing, coupled with the arrival of 2026 No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers, immediately boosts the Wings' championship aspirations and solidifies their frontcourt and defensive identity.