The Las Vegas Aces have acquired forward NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings in exchange for a 2027 first-round draft pick. The trade, announced Monday, marks a pivotal shift for both franchises. While the Aces aim to revitalize their season with a strengthened lineup, the Wings appear to be setting their sights on long-term rebuilding.
NaLyssa Smith Reacts to Trade
Texas-born NaLyssa Smith, a former Baylor standout, expressed her surprise at the move, posting:“Sick to my stomach, dawg, never seen this coming…” Despite the shock, she expressed appreciation for her time in Dallas, writing that she loved “Dallas Nation” and was thankful for all the support. She also shared her excitement for the next chapter, saying:“On another note… If I could’ve chosen anywhere to go it would’ve been Vegas so hella excited 4 this new opportunity.”
Smith’s Time with the Dallas Wings
Smith, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, had a tough stint with Dallas after being traded there in the offseason. Her stats dipped significantly — she averaged just 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game, the lowest of her career. This followed a season in Indiana where her role was impacted by the arrival of star rookie Caitlin Clark.
Her Career So Far
A native of San Antonio, Smith made a name for herself at Baylor, where she was instrumental in helping the team win a national title during her freshman year. Her strong college performance led to a high WNBA draft selection and a spot on the All-Rookie First Team in 2022. However, her momentum slowed in her sophomore season and further declined during her time with the Wings.
Aces Hope to Bounce Back
The Las Vegas Aces, WNBA champions in 2022 and 2023, have struggled this season following major roster changes — including trading Kelsey Plum to the Sparks and acquiring Jewell Loyd from Seattle. With Smith’s arrival, the Aces hope to bring fresh energy and depth to their frontcourt as they push to regain winning form.
Wings Shift Focus to the Future
Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings, currently sitting at 5-13 and last in the Western Conference, are clearly pivoting to a rebuilding strategy. Despite high expectations from rookie Paige Bueckers and a revamped coaching team, results have been disappointing. Trading Smith for a future first-round pick underscores the team’s focus on reshaping the roster with long-term goals in mind.
What Lies Ahead
For Las Vegas, Smith offers both experience and potential — a player who can add size, energy, and versatility. The Aces are betting she’ll thrive in their championship-driven system.
For Dallas, the trade is an investment in the future — aiming to leverage draft assets to build a more competitive squad in the coming seasons.