NaLyssa Smith trades Dallas for Las Vegas amid shock and heartbreak
- NaLyssa Smith was traded from the Dallas Wings to the Las Vegas Aces for a 2027 first-round pick.
- Smith expressed her shock and sadness over the trade on social media, particularly regarding her separation from her girlfriend and teammate DiJonai Carrington.
- Despite the initial shock, Smith conveyed happiness about the opportunity to play for the Aces.
In a surprising move, NaLyssa Smith, a talented forward in the WNBA, was traded from the Dallas Wings to the Las Vegas Aces in exchange for a first-round pick in the upcoming 2027 WNBA Draft. The trade, announced on a Monday, left Smith feeling blindsided, as she expressed her shock on social media, stating she felt 'sick to my stomach' and thanking the Dallas fanbase for their support. Despite this emotional turmoil, Smith acknowledged a silver lining in the situation, expressing excitement for the opportunity to play in Las Vegas. Smith’s transition comes amidst a challenging season for the Wings, who currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with an abysmal record of 5-13. After being acquired by the Wings at the start of the season, Smith had hoped to contribute positively to the team's performance alongside fellow new signings like Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. Unfortunately, team struggles persisted, ultimately leading to her trade as the Wings sought to rebuild and acquire valuable assets for the future. Additionally, this trade complicates Smith’s personal life, as she was in a relationship with DiJonai Carrington, who also joined the Wings this offseason. The couple had previously played together at Baylor University. Carrington's emotional response to the trade, which included heartbreak emojis on social media, reflects the personal stakes involved in professional sports, illustrating how business decisions can deeply affect players’ lives beyond the court. Nonetheless, Smith remained optimistic about joining the Aces, indicating that if she had to pick a new team, she was glad it was Las Vegas. As she gears up for her presumed first game with the Aces against her former team, the Indiana Fever, Smith's journey highlights the ever-changing landscape of professional basketball, where trades can impact both players' careers and personal relationships significantly. The WNBA's competitive nature, alongside teams constantly striving for stronger rosters, necessitates such trades even when they come as a shock to the players involved. The reactions from both Smith and Carrington show the emotional weight behind these decisions, which is often overlooked in the fast-paced, results-driven environment of sports.