WNBA Star NaLyssa Smith Expresses Shock Over Unexpected Trade to Aces, Separates from Girlfriend
WNBA veteran NaLyssa Smith was unexpectedly traded from the Dallas Wings to the Las Vegas Aces, leaving her devastated as it separates her from girlfriend and teammate DiJonai Carrington. Smith expressed her shock on social media, calling the move ‘sick to my stomach,’ while Carrington responded with a broken-heart emoji. The trade was part of Dallas’ effort to rebuild its roster, but the move came as Smith struggled with her performance this season.
Smith, who was acquired by the Wings in an offseason trade from the Indiana Fever, has struggled this season, averaging 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds over 18 games. While she was initially expected to be a key part of the team’s rebuilding process, her performance has been disappointing. The trade to the Aces was announced on Monday, with the Aces acquiring Smith in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick.
Smith’s personal life has also been affected by the trade, as she is now separated from her girlfriend and teammate, DiJonai Carrington. The two had been together since their time at Baylor and had become close teammates with the Wings. Carrington expressed her disappointment with a simple broken-heart emoji on social media, followed by some photos of her and Smith together on and off the court.
Smith, however, tried to balance her emotions by expressing some excitement for her new opportunity with the Aces, despite the personal cost. She wrote, ‘On another note tho [sic] if I could’ve chose anywhere to go it would’ve been Vegas so hella excited 4 this new opportunity wit [sic] my goat.’ While she didn’t specify who ‘my goat’ was, it is widely speculated to be A’ja Wilson, the three-time WNBA MVP and two-time league champion leading the Aces.
Smith’s career has been marked by both ups and downs, with her most recent season being her toughest yet. She was the No. 2 overall pick by the Fever in 2022, where she made the WNBA All-Rookie first team. However, this season had been her first without playing more than 20 minutes with the Wings. The Aces are currently seventh in the WNBA standings, and fifth in the Western Conference, with an 8-8 record to start the year. Smith’s first game with her new squad will be against her former team, as the Fever host the Aces on Thursday night in Indianapolis.
With the trade, the Aces have added a veteran player to their roster, while the Wings look to regain their footing in the league. The move has certainly had a personal impact on Smith, who has had to deal with the loss of her girlfriend and the uncertainty of her new team’s performance. As the season moves on, it remains to be seen whether this trade will be a turning point for both Smith and the Aces.