Dallas Wings Trade NaLyssa Smith to Las Vegas Aces for Future Draft Pick

The Dallas Wings made a significant roster change on Monday, trading starting forward NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces for a first-round pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft.

Smith expressed her disbelief on social media, stating, "Sick to my stomach, dawg, never seen this coming..." Despite her shock, she conveyed her appreciation for 'Dallas Nation,' thanking fans for their support throughout her time with the team.

In a follow-up post, she noted that if she had to be traded, she was glad it was to Las Vegas.

As part of the trade agreement, the Wings also released guard Kaila Charles, who had been signed under a hardship contract on June 17.

Originally selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, Smith spent her initial three seasons there, finishing sixth in the league for rebounds in 2024.

Her acquisition by Dallas earlier this year was part of a major trade that brought her along with DiJonai Carrington, Tyasha Harris, and Myisha Hines-Allen to the Wings.

During her introductory press conference in March, Smith remarked, "I feel like just coming in and doing what I know to do," highlighting the supportive environment provided by the Dallas coaching staff.

She also expressed admiration for Wings star guard Arike Ogunbowale, saying, "I've been a fan of hers since college."

Despite the influx of new talent, including rookie Paige Bueckers and a revamped coaching staff, the Wings have struggled this season, currently holding a 5-13 record. They sit at 12th place in the WNBA standings out of 13 teams and are last in the Western Conference.

In her first 18 games with Dallas, Smith averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds, showcasing her potential despite the team's challenges.