The Las Vegas Aces have made a significant move by acquiring forward NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings in exchange for a 2027 first-round draft pick. This trade, announced on Monday, comes as Smith’s time with the Wings has proven to be challenging, as she has been struggling with career-low averages in points, rebounds, and minutes. The Wings began their season with a difficult 1-11 record but have since bounced back, winning four of their last six games.
NaLyssa Smith, a Texas native and former Baylor standout, joined the Wings this offseason from the Indiana Fever. She was part of a major roster overhaul that also included selecting Paige Bueckers with the first overall pick in the recent draft. Despite being valued for her abilities—averaging double-figure scoring and almost eight rebounds per game during her time with Indiana—Smith’s performance has notably dipped this season, with her current averages standing at 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in under 20 minutes of play.
The Aces, who are aiming to reclaim their dominance after back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023, are also navigating their own challenges this season. They recently traded Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks while bringing in Jewell Loyd from Seattle as part of a six-team trade in the offseason. The addition of Smith could provide the Aces with fresh energy and talent as they attempt to turn their season around.
Interestingly, the Wings had to release Kaila Charles, who had signed a hardship contract earlier in June, as part of this trade move.
Overall, this trade signifies a potential new chapter for Smith, giving her an opportunity to reinvigorate her career with the Aces and possibly contribute to their aspirations for another title. It highlights the dynamic nature of the league and the strategic decisions teams make to strengthen their rosters.