Dallas Wings trade NaLyssa Smith to Las Vegas Aces in shocking deal

Contributor
Endia Berger
Dallas Wings trade NaLyssa Smith to Las Vegas Aces in shocking deal image

In a surprising midseason trade, the Dallas Wings have traded forward NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces in exchange for a 2027 first-round draft pick.

For the trade to complete, the Wings let go of guard Kaila Charles from her hardship contract.

MORE: NaLyssa Smith reacts to shocking trade from Dallas Wings: 'Sick to my stomach'

Smith, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, spent three seasons in Indiana before being traded to Dallas ahead of the 2025 season. In her short stint with the Wings, Smith has averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while playing around 19 minutes per contest.

The 6'4" forward was a regular contributor in Dallas’ rotation, and her departure will force the Wings—currently sitting at 5–13—to make key adjustments.

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Smith now joins an Aces team sitting at 8–8, led by stars like A’ja Wilson and coached by Becky Hammon, one of the most respected figures in the WNBA. The move gives Smith a fresh opportunity with a title-contending team and a veteran-laden roster.