The landscape of the WNBA has shifted significantly this offseason as the Dallas Wings have secured a massive upgrade to their frontcourt. In one of the most impactful moves of the current free agency period, Alanna Smith is heading to Texas, leaving the Minnesota Lynx after serving as a cornerstone of their roster.
The acquisition of Smith provides the Dallas Wings just got Paige Bueckers some major help in a move designed to accelerate the team’s rebuilding process. Smith, who was named the 2025 WNBA co-Defensive Player of the Year, joins a high-profile core that now includes Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers, the 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick.
The move is a significant financial and professional milestone for the Australian forward. Smith is signing a three-year max contract, with her first-year salary set at $1.19 million. This represents a dramatic ascent in her career trajectory, moving from a player who was waived just a few seasons ago to one of the highest-paid defensive specialists in the league.
A Strategic Boost for the Dallas Frontcourt
For the Dallas Wings, the addition of Smith addresses a critical void in rim protection and defensive versatility. As a 6-foot-4 power forward, Smith brings an elite defensive pedigree to a team that has struggled to identify a consistent presence in the paint. Her ability to anchor the defense allows the Wings’ offensive stars more freedom to operate.
Beyond her individual accolades, Smith arrives in Dallas with existing chemistry. She and Arike Ogunbowale recently competed together in the Unrivaled league, where they captured a championship last month. This established rapport is expected to translate quickly to the WNBA hardwood, reducing the typical adjustment period for a high-profile free agent signing.
The excitement surrounding the move was echoed by Paige Bueckers, who expressed her enthusiasm for the new addition via social media.
Impact on the 2026 WNBA Draft Strategy
The signing of Alanna Smith does more than just improve the roster; it fundamentally changes how the Dallas Wings may approach the upcoming WNBA Draft. Dallas holds the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year, and previously, there was a perceived urgency to use that pick on a frontcourt player to provide defensive stability.
With a reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year now locked in for three years, the Wings have the luxury of looking elsewhere. This opens the door for several different directions:
- Point Guard Depth: The team could target a traditional floor general, such as Olivia Miles, to better distribute the ball to Bueckers, and Ogunbowale.
- perimeter Scoring: A specialist shooter like Azzi Fudd could provide the spacing necessary to maximize the interior presence of Smith.
- Frontcourt Insurance: Dallas could choose to build a “wall” of height by drafting additional interior talent, such as Awa Fam or Lauren Betts, to provide depth behind Smith.
This flexibility makes the Wings one of the most intriguing teams heading into the draft, as they are no longer forced to draft for a specific positional need but can instead draft for the best overall fit.
Analyzing the Market Shift
From a league-wide perspective, the Dallas Wings just got Paige Bueckers some major help by signaling their intent to compete immediately rather than through a slow rebuild. The market’s reaction has been reflected in the betting odds; according to FanDuel, the Wings now hold the 8th best odds to win the 2026 championship, listed at +4,000.
For the Minnesota Lynx, the loss of Smith is a significant blow. Losing a player of her caliber—who has consistently earned All-Defensive honors, including the WNBA All-Defensive First Team in 2025—leaves a gap in their rotation that will be difficult to fill via the draft or mid-level exceptions.
Smith’s journey to this max contract is a testament to her resilience. After being waived earlier in her career, she leveraged her time with the Lynx and her international experience with the Australian national team to become one of the premier defenders in the world. Her career has seen her move through various teams, including the Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, and Chicago Sky, before finding her peak form in Minnesota.
As the WNBA offseason continues, all eyes remain on Dallas to see how they will utilize the No. 1 overall pick to complement this new-look powerhouse. We expect further updates as the draft board solidifies and the team finalizes its roster for the 2026 season.
What do you think of the Wings’ move to sign Alanna Smith? Should they prioritize a point guard or more size with the No. 1 pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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