The Las Vegas Aces are eager to make some noise in the playoffs after falling short of their third consecutive championship last season. The team made a bold move in that direction Monday, acquiring forward NaLyssa Smith in a trade with the Dallas Wings.
Smith, who was named to the All-Rookie team in 2022, was in the midst of her first season with Dallas after beginning her career with the Indiana Fever. Through 18 games with the Wings, Smith averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. Those figures are much lower compared to her stats with the Fever, where she averaged 13.0 points and 8.0 rebounds over her first three seasons in the WNBA.
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In exchange for Smith, the Wings will receive a 2027 first-round draft pick.
It marks the second time in the past six months that Smith has been traded. In January, she was included in a four-team deal between the Fever, Wings, Connecticut Sun and Phoenix Mercury that involved Sophie Cunningham and multiple draft picks.
After going 27-13 last season, the Aces are scuffling to open the 2025 season. Through 16 games, they’re 8-8. The team would qualify for the playoffs if the season ended Monday, but its position is tenuous. With the move, the Aces are hoping Smith can help lift them away from the playoff bubble.
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While Smith is satisfied to be joining the Aces, the 24-year-old said she was blindsided by the move.
Smith’s teammate and partner Dijonai Carrington was initially sad about the move but was able to come to grips with it a few minutes later.
Carrington and Smith have been dating since their time together at Baylor.
The change in teams does put Smith in a much better situation. At 5-13, the Wings have the second-worst record in the WNBA and are clearly building for the future. The Aces are not only in the playoff hunt, but Smith will be paired up with reigning MVP A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray in Las Vegas.
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To make room for Smith, the Aces waived both Tiffany Mitchell and Elizabeth Kitley. Mitchell, a 10-year veteran, averaged 3.7 points for the Aces this season. Kitley, a second-round draft pick in 2024, averaged 1.3 points in 12 games with the Aces.
The move also ensures the Aces intend to compete for the next few seasons. Following Monday’s trade, the Aces don’t own a first-round pick until the 2028 WNBA Draft.
