WNBA DPOY among those in trade rumors ahead of deadline

Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith could be traded ahead of Sunday’s WNBA trade deadline, The Athletic’s Annie Costabile reported on Tuesday. Costabile reported that Smith could be a target for the Phoenix Mercury after playing a surprisingly limited role for the Wings so far this season.

In the first half of the season, the 29-year-old has averaged just 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game off the bench. That’s come as a surprise, considering she signed a three-year max deal worth approximately $3.75 million this past offseason.

The Mercury, meanwhile, have also had a disappointing season. They’re 10-18 and owners of the WNBA’s fourth-best record, less than a year removed from a Finals run.

Costabile reported that the Mercury explored trading franchise cornerstone Alyssa Thomas earlier this season, but that those talks have “gone cold.”

Alanna Smith has had a disappointing debut campaign for the Wings

Last year, Smith won Defensive Player of the Year (alongside A’ja Wilson) after having a career year in Minnesota. She averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks in the 2025 season, all while establishing herself as an elite defender under Cheryl Reeve.

But her 2026 season has been littered with injuries — she’s appeared in just 20 of 28 games, missed time earlier in the season due to a concussion, and several games this month due to a leg injury.

Regardless of Smith’s personal struggles, the Wings have excelled.

They are 18-9, owners of the WNBA’s fourth-best record, in large part due to standout play from Paige Bueckers, Jessica Shepard, and Azzi Fudd, among others. And Wings general manager Curt Miller has made clear that the Wings are trying to win now and could operate as such heading into the trade deadline, per Wings reporter Melissa Triebwasser.

“You can’t be afraid to rip the Band-Aid off and make moves to try and go for it,” he said. “You’re not always in a championship window.”

Who might the Wings be targeting?

That part remains to be seen. But they’ll likely want to bolster their frontcourt, particularly if Smith heads out the door.