Alexa PhilippouApr 11, 2026, 09:36 PM ET
- Covers women's college basketball and the WNBA
- Previously covered UConn and the WNBA Connecticut Sun for the Hartford Courant
- Stanford graduate and Baltimore native with further experience at the Dallas Morning News, Seattle Times and Cincinnati Enquirer
Free agent Alanna Smith agreed to a three-year max contract with the Dallas Wings, her agent, Sammy Wloszczowski of the Sports International Group agency, told ESPN on Saturday.
Smith, a 6-foot-4 forward, emerged as a defensive standout for the Minnesota Lynx in 2025, when she earned co-Defensive Player of the Year honors alongside A'ja Wilson and earned her second all-defensive team nod.
Smith joins the Wings to round out a productive free agency for Dallas, which re-signed Arike Ogunbowale and Awak Kuier, and added Jessica Shepard. Wings general manager Curt Miller said Smith was the team's "top target" in free agency.
"As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball," Miller said in a statement. "From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility -- she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively -- we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside."
Dallas also owns the No. 1 pick in Monday's collegiate draft, its second consecutive top selection after drafting Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers in 2025.
Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals last season for the Lynx, her second campaign with the franchise.
"It's hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me," Smith wrote in an Instagram post. "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."
The seven-year veteran was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019. Smith also played for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky before signing with Minnesota in 2024.
The Stanford alum won a bronze medal with Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was named to the All-Star Five. Smith also secured an Unrivaled championship with Mist B.C. this offseason.
Smith is the second Lynx starter, alongside Bridget Carleton, who was selected by Portland in the expansion draft, to leave the team this offseason. Minnesota has also parted ways with reserves Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle Storm), Karlie Samuelson (free agent, Portland) and Maria Kliundikova (selected by Toronto Tempo in expansion).
