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The Minnesota Lynx said goodbye on Saturday to Alanna Smith after she agreed to a 3-year max contract with the Dallas Wings in free agency. Smith was one of the best free agents on the market and she gives the Wings arguably the best interior defensive anchor in the league.
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Alanna Smith had played the past two seasons with the Lynx, and she penned a heartfelt goodbye on social media to thank Minnesota and the fanbase amid her departure for the Wings in free agency.
“It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote. “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. Thank you.”
The No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Smith initially struggled to find her footing in the league, going from the Phoenix Mercury to the Indiana Fever to the Chicago Sky. The Mercury opted not to re-sign her after her rookie deal was up, and the Fever cut her after only nine games in the 2022 season.
Smith began to find her niche during the 2022 season with the Sky, and she finished third in the Most Improved Player Award voting.
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This past season, Smith appeared in 42 games with the Lynx, at a little over 26 minutes per game, She averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocked shots with splits of 48.5 percent shooting from the field, 32.9 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 47.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line. She won the Defensive Player of the Year Award and was named to the All-Defensive First Team.
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