The Atlanta Dream, fresh off the longest WNBA season in history, are staring down some brutal offseason questions after falling to the Golden State Valkyries in a Game 7 WNBA Finals heartbreaker. This team was *right there*, losing in seven games, and now they’ve gotta figure out how to get over that hump. The Dream will mostly retain their 2026 roster heading into 2027, but if they want to make another run, strategic upgrades are non-negotiable.
The Finals Loss Exposed Brutal Holes
You watched that series, right? Atlanta got absolutely burned by a lack of size. Brionna Jones was sidelined with an injury, and Kiah Stokes from the Valkyries just went off, having a superb series that almost made her Finals MVP. And then Gabby Williams dropped a 30-point bomb in Game 7 to seal Atlanta’s fate. Sure, Jones should be healthy for 2027, and the Dream’s starting five is still one of the league’s strongest with Angel Reese, Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon, and Rhyne Howard. That’s a powerhouse group, no doubt.
But size wasn’t the only problem. The Dream also had zero viable depth. For most of the Finals, they were relying on rookie Isobel Borlaise and veteran DeWanna Bonner just to give the starters a breather. What they desperately needed was a defensive stopper off the bench to complement that size issue. You can’t win a championship without a full squad, and that bench clearly wasn’t cutting it when it mattered most.
A Defensive Stopper With History?
So, how do you fix that? The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant has floated an interesting name: DiJonai Carrington. Now, she wouldn’t be a huge offensive weapon, given her career 8.5 points per game. But listen, the Dream isn’t necessarily looking for a scorer here, are they? They need someone Head Coach Karl Smesko can trust, especially on defense. And Carrington fits that bill big time.
She was the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and a first-team All-Defense selection in 2024 before an injury-plagued season with the Chicago Sky put her into free agency. This woman is a sticky, determined defender, exactly what the Dream bench is missing. Plus, she’s got history with the team already. She played with Bonner and Jones on the Connecticut Sun from 2021 to 2024, and Atlanta assistant Brandi Poole was on the Sun’s coaching staff for two of those years. She’s got playoff experience from her time in Connecticut, and honestly, her competitive fire would probably rival even Angel Reese’s in that locker room. On paper, it looks like a solid fit, even if her inconsistent jumper might raise a few questions about how she’d slot into Smesko’s offense. She was even an honorable mention on Sports Illustrated’s top-10 unrestricted free agent rankings, showing she’s on the radar.
What’s Next For The Dream’s Championship Chase
The Dream were so close, so incredibly close, to hoisting that trophy. They know what they need, and the free agent market has some options, though Carrington might be the most intriguing fit for their specific depth and defensive needs. This offseason, Atlanta has to make the right moves to bring in that complementary depth piece, especially a defensive presence, that can push them over the top. The core is there, the talent is undeniable, but the bench has to deliver. Will Carrington be the missing piece to finally bring a WNBA title to Angel Reese’s Dream in 2027? It’s going to be a fascinating offseason to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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