ALLEY OOP (Ep 14) : The WNBA Trade portal, Dijonai Carrington, and the Liberty w/ Ros Gold-Unwude |

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: ALLEY OOP (Ep 14) : The WNBA Trade Portal, Dijonai Carrington, and the Liberty w/ Ros Gold-Unwude
Release Date: August 6, 2025

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Introduction

In the latest episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve deep into the recent developments within the WNBA, focusing on the trade of Dijonai Carrington, the impact on the New York Liberty, and broader trade dynamics as the league approaches its trade deadline. Joined by guest Ros Gold-Unwude, the discussion offers insightful analysis on team strategies, player performances, and potential future moves within the league.

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WNBA Trade Portal and Dijonai Carrington Trade

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion about the trade of Dijonai Carrington to the New York Liberty. Stugotz expresses his excitement about the move, highlighting how Dijonai is expected to fit seamlessly into the Liberty’s system under coach Cheryl Reeve.

Stugotz ([02:11]): "I feel excited for it. I think it's a way better fit for Dejanae than what she had in Dallas."

Ros Gold-Unwude concurs, emphasizing the structural and cultural strengths of the Liberty that make them an ideal destination for Carrington.

Ros Gold-Unwude ([04:19]): "Cheryl is going to bring the most out of a player that maybe the general public may not think is that sparkly and flashy, but she's gonna make them in."

The hosts discuss how Carrington’s defensive prowess and physicality will bolster the Liberty’s lineup, especially in light of key injuries affecting the team.

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Impact of Injuries on Teams

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the injuries plaguing several teams, notably the New York Liberty’s loss of Nafisa Kaya, an MVP candidate.

Ros Gold-Unwude ([02:20]): "The Liberty are without Brianna Stewart, obviously. ... The team can get better in a different way."

The hosts analyze how these injuries present both challenges and opportunities for teams to redefine their roles and strategies. They highlight the Liberty’s strong defensive culture and how Carrington's addition can help mitigate the absence of key players.

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Player Analysis: Tiara McCowan’s Trade Speculation

The discussion shifts to Tiara McCowan, who is currently a free agent with trade rumors swirling around her potential moves.

Ros Gold-Unwude ([08:51]): "I don't think Tasha Cloud should be without a home past Thursday because she can contribute at least a couple of those minutes off the bench where you're starting big."

The hosts debate the necessity of McCowan finding a new team before the trade deadline, considering her ability to add depth and versatility to any roster. They emphasize her maturity and leadership qualities developed with the Connecticut Sun.

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New York Liberty’s Performance and Emma Miserman’s Impact

A standout segment focuses on Emma Miserman’s debut with the Liberty, where she scored 11 points, contributing significantly to the team’s performance despite initial sluggishness.

Ros Gold-Unwude ([11:17]): "I should have put my Liberty jersey on."

Stugotz praises Miserman’s seamless integration into the team’s culture and her versatile skill set, which enhances the Liberty’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

Ros Gold-Unwude ([12:52]): "Emma makes the Liberty men kind of invincible, especially compared to their early season struggles without Brianna Stewart."

The hosts express optimism about Miserman’s role in elevating the Liberty’s gameplay, especially amidst their current injury struggles.

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Free Agency and Potential Trades

As the trade deadline approaches, the conversation turns to potential moves that could shake up the WNBA landscape. Ros speculates on possible trade targets, including Marina Mabry, and discusses teams that might benefit from acquiring such players.

Ros Gold-Unwude ([07:17]): "I've heard some things about Marina Mabry going... she really matured this season with the Connecticut Sun."

Stugotz highlights the urgency for teams like the Liberty to solidify their rosters by acquiring motivated players looking to make an immediate impact.

Ros Gold-Unwude ([10:25]): "Keyword, quick impact. I'm gonna stay on that quick impact phrase."

The hosts consider how strategic trades can help teams navigate through tough schedules and injuries, ensuring competitiveness as the season progresses.

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Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a recap of the key points discussed, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the WNBA trade landscape and the strategic moves by teams like the New York Liberty. Hosts Dan and Stugotz, along with guest Ros Gold-Unwude, provide a comprehensive analysis of how these trades and player movements are shaping the league's current season.

Stugotz also takes a moment to acknowledge contributions from listeners and guests, including promoting DJ Mohawk's new hype song for the Atlanta Dream.

Stugotz ([15:38]): "Both the Liberty and the Links leveled up and found a pick that worked really well with the system that's already in existence."

The hosts sign off by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes as the WNBA season continues to unfold.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ros Gold-Unwude ([02:11]): "I feel excited for it. I think it's a way better fit for Dejanae than what she had in Dallas."

• Ros Gold-Unwude ([04:19]): "Cheryl is going to bring the most out of a player that maybe the general public may not think is that sparkly and flashy, but she's gonna make them in."

• Ros Gold-Unwude ([08:51]): "I don't think Tasha Cloud should be without a home past Thursday because she can contribute at least a couple of those minutes off the bench where you're starting big."

• Ros Gold-Unwude ([12:52]): "Emma makes the Liberty men kind of invincible, especially compared to their early season struggles without Brianna Stewart."

• Ros Gold-Unwude ([07:17]): "I've heard some things about Marina Mabry going... she really matured this season with the Connecticut Sun."

• Ros Gold-Unwude ([10:25]): "Keyword, quick impact. I'm gonna stay on that quick impact phrase."

• Ros Gold-Unwude ([15:38]): "Both the Liberty and the Links leveled up and found a pick that worked really well with the system that's already in existence."

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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the discussions around the WNBA trade portal, key player analyses, and the strategic movements within the league. Whether you're a dedicated fan of women's basketball or new to the WNBA scene, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the sport.

Transcript

[Host 1]

Now's a good time to remember where tequila's story truly began. In 1795, Cuervo invented tequila.

[Cuervo]

Cuervo.

[Host 1]

What are you doing here?

[Cuervo]

Cuervo. Anytime someone says Cuervo, I show up.

[Host 1]

Well, I do know that to be true. But even during ad reads like Cuervo, I think he could lay out especially for one of our great partners.

[Cuervo]

Sweet, delicious Cuervo.

[Host 1]

Since then, Cuervo has stayed true to its roots. The same family, the same land, the same passion.

[Cuervo]

Cuervo.

[Host 1]

So enjoy the tequila that started it all. Cuervo.

[Cuervo]

Cuervo.

[Host 1]

The tequila that invented tequila. Proximo. Cuervo.com Please drink responsibly.

[Cuervo]

Cuervo. Are you feeling more fulfilled now that.

[Host 2]

You'Re back to work on August 15th?

[Host 3]

No, I need a vacation.

[Host 2]

See the movie that critics are saying is an awesome. Look at that crowd pleasing, fist pumping all out brawl of a film.

[Host 4]

You're right about that.

[Host 3]

They're coming after our family. Go fix this.

[Host 4]

Oh, my.

[Host 2]

Nobody 2, rated R. Holding in theaters August 15th.

[Host 3]

This Tierra McCowan, Tara McCowan.

[Host 4]

You know, she sometimes will get a technical violence wave at the referee. That was the funniest meme. She waved from the tunnel like, remember her college days?

[Host 3]

I think she did something like this.

[Host 4]

Yeah. Tell them what podcast you the host.

[Host 3]

Of good follow show. This is Meadowlark's woman's sports show and we cover a whole lot of greatness and excellence in women's sports and certainly I love a lot of women's basketball and we are, we often have juju on as a reoccurring guest. So you could catch him there too.

[Host 4]

Yeah, you could catch me there. A trade that woke me up out of my sleep yesterday morning. Dijonay Carrington traded to the links. The wings have punted on the year they like we gonna get there. We get there. But how do you feel about DJ now? Is she the third member of the stud buzz now? Like, what's happening there? How you feel?

[Host 3]

You know, I feel excited for it. I think it's a way better fit for dejanae than, you know, than what she had in Dallas.

[Host 4]

She definitely came at a, a, a good learning period for the links right now who look like they're going to be without Nafisa Kaya, MVP candidate for at least a couple of games with that ankle injury. Was tough to look at. I felt like her foot was about to pop off her damn leg. She went in there so hard. How do you think they're going to adjust? Is it Enough time for her to get there and adjust to the system as well as integrate when feeds to get back.

[Host 3]

Yes, I think actually there's been a number of important players and star players for teams getting injured right now in the season. It might have to do with the scheduling, who knows? But you know, the New York Liberty are without Brianna Stewart, obviously. The Indiana Fever are without Caitlin Clark. You know, you've got the Phoenix Mercury, who've played without a number of players throughout the season, and now you have fee down for. For the Links. And what we found in a lot of these situations though is there's a silver lining in that other players get to really define their roles. The team can get better in a different way. Look at the Fever right now. They gotta be the hottest team in the league playing without Caitlin. So I think, I think. I think that the Links will be solid. I mean, when you lose an MVP candidate, there's gonna be a period of struggle and the favorite for the MVP award. But in Nafisa, but they have a culture and an identity that's strong. They defend, they shoot the three, they pass the ball, they don't turn it over. That should be able to maybe get them some wins. And then for Dijonay, I like the fit man. I think Dijonay can be on a team where she could be a star in a role. And I think a team like, you know, the Lynx has a role for her to come in there, you know, maybe be a player that can score off of the attention of others and then brings them a lot of toughness and physicality on defense. And I think Cheryl Reeve is the right coach to bring, you know, the best out of her.

[Host 4]

Yeah, and I definitely agree with that. Especially her hard nose on defense, like good luck defenders, because Carly was there. I feel like Carly got a bad deal this year, man. She got that foot injury and she was coming from the Mystics, who weren't necessarily awesome last year. And then before she got to even, you know, I mean, go through the playoffs with the Links. Dang. Now she in Dallas, you know what I mean? Tough pill to swallow sometimes, but it's business, you feel me? But like you said, Cheryl. I'm gonna give Cheryl a little piece of this apple pie, if you will. Feasy got hurt. They was up a hundred points on the aces. They was. They would. The game was in hand. And I'm not sure if I still have all of my starters out there when the game is in hand, when Asia Wilson and them girls on the other side of the court being embarrassed on their home court. What they lost for like 50. Like, what do you think about that? What should they have been? Do you trust Cheryl and judgment and just always salute Cheryl, or could they have pulled her out just a little earlier?

[Host 3]

I think, you know, Cheryl addressed it and straight on and she said, you know, look, this is. It's pretty commonplace where players are still playing within their rotational minutes in the third quarter, even in blowouts. Like Cheryl said, sometimes these things just happen in basketball. It was just, you know, a really tough moment where she rolled her ankle on her teammate's foot. And I think had she been in it deep into the fourth quarter then, you know, you might raise an eyebrow. But I think this was, for me, it seemed like very normal circumstance, even in a blowout, to still have some of your starters in, in the third quarter.

[Host 4]

Okay, look, see, look, Big dog. Say it is what it is. I'm gonna salute her and say it is what it is. Also salute to Kayla McBride. Eight of them things in a row. The other day. She was so wet from behind the art, man. They. The links are scary with feasy, but they're also scary without it, man. But moving on, free agency. Oh, I ain't gonna say free agency. The WNBA trade deadline is approaching Thursday at like 3pm Aug. 7. Are there any moves or any teams who you think should make moves right now or right before the deadline to make themselves stronger? I like the fact that the Valkyrie picked up Kayla Charles because to me, I don't know what she was doing in the free agent pool anyway, what she. What she did with the Dallas Wings this year already. She tough. She knocked down Jays. So I like the fact that she's on the Valkyrie. But right now, you got Big T out there without a team. You got Aaliyah Edwards in trade talks, you got Marina in trade talks. What do you think of some moves or can you predict anything or who do you think should make a couple of moves?

[Host 3]

I'm definitely not the one to ask about predicting on a trade, but I've heard some things about could Marina Mabry go? And I think, you know, if the Connecticut sun, if they're not looking to, like, right now, which they aren't, Marina Mabry could be a piece that could help a team. And I think she really matured this season with the Connecticut Sun.

[Host 4]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

In the sense that, like, she's had to stick in a situation that wasn't her chosen one. She's been mature. She stepped up as a leader for less experience than younger Players as well. Even when she was out nine games with an injury, she really stepped up on the bench. And obviously she adds a lot of toughness. Someone who's not bashful to shoot experience and someone who's thirsty to help a team contend. So, like, I've heard her name in rumors and I think she'd be a great addition. But, yeah, I think right now is a spicy time for teams, like going for it right now or trying to get back into the playoff hunt, you know, and. And squeak out one of those last spots.

[Host 4]

Yeah. People forget it was Tasha Cloud and Marina Mabry's Connecticut son during the summer. You feel me? Phoenix had done traded Tasha Cloud to Connecticut when they told her we would never trade you. And through the grace of God, they let her go and let her join the New York libert. Wish are looking. We gonna get to that in a second, that craziness going on over there. But yeah, man, I. I don't think Big T should be without a home. I know she, you know, me, might get a technical file here or there.

[Host 3]

This Tiara McCowan.

[Host 4]

Yeah, Tiara McCowan. I don't think she should be without a home past Thursday because she can contribute at least a couple of those minutes off the bench where you're starting big. Either is fatigued, either is in file trouble. I think she's, man, fantastic to add to your organization, certainly. Even though she sometimes will get a technical file and wave at the referee. That was the funniest meme. She waved from the tunnel like, remember her college days?

[Host 3]

I think she did something like this.

[Host 4]

Oh, yeah. How do you feel? Do you think she should have a home?

[Host 3]

For sure, I think. Look, everybody who was with Dallas this year, I would give a little grace. It was a really tough situation to be in for a lot of players. It's a transition of culture. There were a ton of young players, not a lot of support, not a lot of structure, a new coach. And so I think it was an awkward. It was. It's been an awkward ecosystem. Like, I. You know, if you look at Dijonay Carrington's stats coming out of Dallas, I don't think that's indicative of the type of player that she is or can be in the right situation. So I feel the same way for Tierra McCown. There's certainly teams that are a little undersized or could use some. Some size and extra depth there. I'll be keeping an eye on who picks her up. And, you know, usually when. When these types of situations happen, the player on waivers is super motivated. Like, they want to come in. They're hungry, they're disgruntled. They want to prove something. They got a chip on their shoulder and can, like, make some quick impact.

[Host 4]

Quick impact. You feel me? Keyword, quick impact. I'm gonna stay on that quick impact phrase. Emma Miserman. One game with the Liberty already. I could see it in their eyes, bro. Like, Sabrina, of course, went crazy. Of course she gonna do what she do. Of course the team is the team. Of course Brianna is out right now. But in my opinion, Emma Meeson makes the Liberty man kind of invincible, especially compared to their early season struggles without John Quail. You put her next to John Quail. I'm. What is this? I'm like, nah. Who. What is this? I'm like, if I'm another coach, put her in the pool. Let us have a chance at her. How do you feel about your New York, Lambert?

[Host 3]

I should have put my Liberty jersey on.

[Host 4]

Just like you should.

[Host 3]

Pulling up with all your jerseys. Atlanta. I don't know, whoever it is you representing every other day.

[Host 4]

I'm representing the Shootout. Look, Tupac had a problem with the buddy for her joining the team. He was like, oh, he went on the team. That's how I feel about Emma Messerman. What is this? I'm talking about 11 points in her debut and she ain't even get going. Then was a sleepy. 11 points. Like, come on.

[Host 3]

Right, right.

[Host 4]

Tell us about it.

[Host 3]

Emma actually got. She. I was on the call for the game. So Emma actually got better as the game went on. She had a big second half, and any trained eye watching the game could be like, oh, okay, I see the vision for sure. Like, this is gonna work. And it's crazy. It's crazy. It's crazy that you know, a player of this caliber, this is a high level caliber player. Could join the Liberty mid season. And I actually think it's going to work pretty seamlessly because she fits the culture of the team. She is so smart and cerebral and can facilitate and is finesse and has great footwork and can score at all ranges and is unselfish. You can run your offense through her. Her versatility. You can put her in any lineup. You can even have her out there, you know, with Stewie, when healthy, with the Jonquil Jones. You don't have to. You don't have to.

[Host 4]

Don't make me think about that. Don't make me.

[Host 3]

It's very possible. And you could also have in that lineup, like as your guard, Leon Phoebus Suddenly you have a lineup where you got four players. Six, four and over. And then a guard of some sort. And probably all the Liberty guards are about five, 10 and up. I mean, look how huge.

[Host 4]

Guard of some sort. A guard of some sort. Sabrina. Damn. Oh, my God. Of some sort.

[Host 3]

Literally. Literally. The Eastern Conference.

[Host 4]

I might need a break.

[Host 3]

It's actually an embarrassment. It's a lot of riches, right? But the Liberty need of a Misa men right now because they are going through a tough spurt of injuries. They are banged up to, not only to Brianna Stewart, to a lot of their depth. They've had a tough part of the schedule and it couldn't be better timing to have Emma come now. And you know what? I think she's gonna fit seamlessly. And hopefully with some practices and chemistry.

[Host 4]

It could grow, bruh. I'm talking about. I ain't never seen Isabel Harrison look this good, man. I'm talking about Tasha Cloud behind the back. She don't even need to shoot the ball. I'm talking about Phoebus. Phoebus. A penetrate wide open layup. I'm dishing it, bro. New York Liberty right now are so good, man. Is there not what their record says? I'm just as an Atlanta Dream fan, man, I'm like, man, it must be nice, huh? Who that life Jennings Must be nice.

[Host 3]

Look, on the other side, the. The Links said, okay, y' all playing chess, not checkers. Touche, right? We're gonna bring Dijonay Carrington in, you know, and one thing about Cheryl Reeve is she's going to bring the most out of a player that maybe the general public may not think is that sparkly and flashy? Well, she's gonna make them in. How many of those players over there on the links were players that were disregarded, forgotten about, Talk about it, you know, where we're kind of slept on or underestimated where they were before they got to the links and suddenly now we're in. Are in all star conversations, you know, all of them.

[Host 4]

That's what you answer. All of them. Kaylee McBride with the Aces, Courtney Williams with the Dream. Atlanta Smith with Chicago and other teams.

[Host 3]

And actually Courtney Williams with Chic. They both came over together. So fit it fit health, chemistry, a great coach. All of that really matters. And I think again, to come back to the DEJ thing, she fits all of that over there. So I think both. Both Links and Liberty leveled up and found a pick that worked really well with the system that's already in existence.

[Host 4]

Also, I gotta throw my Hats off to you, my sister. My sister done joined me. Look, she fresh off two planes. She got an airport on her back. She got airport on her in her hair still. And she decided to join the Alley O, man. Thank you so much, sis, for pulling up on us today, man. Thank everybody for tuning in. Also too, the Atlanta Dream game yesterday. I want to shout out DJ Mohawk, you feel me? My guy and DJ Chalet. I made a song. I made a hype song for the Atlanta Dream. Me and my dog, cm, the dj, and they've been playing that guy at the Dream games to hype him up a little bit. So big love out to DJ Mohawk right now. It's out there streaming everywhere. Do it for the dream Juju. Got it. Featuring cm, the dj. You got to know if you don't, man.

[Host 3]

Can you play it?

[Host 4]

I'll send it to you. Yeah, I'm gonna send it to you right now. Apple Music everywhere. You can get your music the same way. If you listening to this everywhere, you get your podcast. Let's go back.

[Host 3]

What can't you do? This is crazy, man.

[Host 4]

Catch us next week here on the Draft Kings Network. Same bat time, same bad channel. The crown is yours.

[Host 1]

Now's a good time to remember where tequila's story truly began. In 1795, Cuervo invented tequila. Cuervo, what are you doing here?

[Cuervo]

Cuervo? Anytime someone says Cuervo, I show up.

[Host 1]

Well, I do know that to be true. But even during ad reads like Cuervo, I think you could lay out, especially for one of our great partners, Sweet, delicious Cuervo. Since then, Cuervo has stayed true to its roots. The same family, the same land, the same passion.

[Cuervo]

Cuervo.

[Host 1]

So enjoy the tequila that started it all. Cuervo.

[Cuervo]

Cuervo.

[Host 1]

The tequila that invented tequila. Proximo. Cuervo.com Please drink responsibly.

[Cuervo]

Cuervo.