Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve Makes Bold Moves Ahead of WNBA Trade Deadline

Minneapolis, Minnesota – In the weeks leading up to the WNBA trade deadline, Lynx coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve recognized her team needed reinforcements. Despite the Lynx boasting the league’s best record and leading the chase for the No. 1 playoff seed, Reeve was focused on preparing for a challenging three-round playoff schedule.

Prior to the deadline, Reeve waived second-year forward Alissa Pili to create salary cap space and sought a post player and a versatile defender. The team ultimately fell short of acquiring a post player after Emma Meesseman signed with the New York Liberty, the defending champions. “She made the wrong choice,” Reeve remarked on July 29, prior to facing the Liberty.

However, Reeve successfully acquired guard DiJonai Carrington, an All-Defensive first team member and the league’s Most Improved Player in 2024. After three games with the Lynx, all victories, Carrington’s performance justified the trade package sent to Dallas.

“We felt like we could use a little more help as we made this run,” Reeve stated. “If you stay exactly the same, it’s really hard to accomplish and get back and get over the hump.”

Carrington, who previously impressed Reeve in a semifinal game, made an immediate impact after joining the Lynx. In her debut against Seattle, she scored 13 points, the most by a Lynx reserve in a debut since 2008.

With star player Napheesa Collier sidelined with an ankle injury, Carrington stepped up, scoring 10 points in the critical fourth quarter of a recent 91-87 victory. “Without her, we don’t win that game,” said teammate Natisha Hiedeman.

As fans cheered her on with a standing ovation in her first home game, Carrington embraced her new role, even sporting pink hair to bond with teammates. She now shares defensive responsibilities with Kayla McBride, allowing McBride to conserve energy for offense.

“Taking a little bit of that load off, it helps a lot,” McBride noted after a recent victory, praising Carrington for her contributions.

With the impending expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, many Lynx veterans could become unrestricted free agents after this season. As the team prepares for a strong championship run, Carrington remains focused on winning. “It’s about basketball, it’s about winning, and that’s what I’m here to do,” she asserted.