The Las Vegas Aces acquired ahead NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings in alternate for his or her 2027 first-round WNBA Draft choose on Monday. The transfer provides dimension and flexibility to a struggling Las Vegas frontcourt whereas ending a brief tenure for Smith in her residence state.
To finalize the deal, Las Vegas waived rookie middle Liz Kitley and veteran guard Tiffany Mitchell. Dallas, whose hardship roster standing expired with the return of a number of gamers from worldwide obligation, launched ahead Kaila Charles.
Smith, the No. 2 general choose within the 2022 WNBA Draft and a former Baylor nationwide champion, had spent her first three seasons with the Indiana Fever earlier than becoming a member of the Wings in a four-team commerce this previous February. She averaged 6.7 factors and 4.9 rebounds on 42.5 p.c taking pictures in 18 video games with Dallas whereas enjoying just below 20 minutes per contest—every determine marking a profession low. The Wings opened the season 1-11 earlier than profitable 4 of their final six video games.
On social media, Smith expressed shock and emotion on the information: “sick to my abdomen dawg , by no means seen this coming however .. i like you dallas nation, thanks 4 all the pieces.” She additionally added she was excited for the chance to play alongside A’ja Wilson in Las Vegas.
Smith Seeks Recent Begin; Aces Goal to Handle Depth
Smith was an All-Rookie Workforce choice in 2022 and posted her finest numbers in 2023, averaging 15.5 factors, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 28.5 minutes per recreation for the Fever. However her function shrank final season as Indiana shifted focus towards Caitlin Clark’s arrival, and her stint in Dallas by no means absolutely stabilized.
With Las Vegas off to a disappointing 8-8 begin after back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023, head coach Becky Hammon has emphasised the necessity for improved vitality and execution—significantly in second halves. The Aces parted with their 2026 first-round choose within the commerce for Jewell Loyd and can now go with out one other first-rounder till 2028.
Smith joins a frontcourt rotation anchored by Wilson and Kiah Stokes and is anticipated to offer two-way versatility and rebounding depth. The Aces additionally waived Mitchell, who averaged 3.7 factors in 16 video games this season, and Kitley, who appeared in 12 video games as a rookie.
Las Vegas has struggled to seek out constant contributions outdoors of Wilson and Jackie Younger, with Hammon turning to youthful gamers like rookie Aaliyah Nye in latest weeks. Smith, nonetheless solely 24, brings playoff expertise and upside if she will recapture her Indiana kind.
Dallas Clears Frontcourt Logjam as Key Gamers Return
For Dallas, the transfer frees up rotation area and provides long-term flexibility with a invaluable future draft asset from a perennial contender. Smith rotated between small-ball 5 and conventional 4 roles in Dallas, however by no means carved out a gentle beginning job. Her minutes usually fluctuated amid roster accidents and shifting lineups.
The Wings additionally launched Charles, whose hardship contract expired with the return of Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder from EuroBasket. Charles had been waived on June 14 however rejoined the group three days later. She averaged 5.3 factors, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17 appearances, offering vitality off the bench throughout a shorthanded stretch.
“They need to be again for our Phoenix recreation,” Wings head coach Chris Koclanes stated of McCowan and Geiselsöder after Saturday’s win over Washington.
Geiselsöder had emerged as a shock contributor earlier than her nationwide group stint, averaging 9.0 factors, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks throughout her ultimate 5 video games. McCowan, who final performed June 6, has averaged 5.1 factors and 4.8 rebounds in a bench function this season.
In the meantime, just lately acquired middle Li Yueru has stepped into an expanded function, averaging 7.6 factors and seven.2 rebounds in her final 5 video games. With Smith’s departure and the return of McCowan and Geiselsöder, Dallas strikes ahead with its deepest frontcourt rotation of the season.
