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The Dallas Wings have traded forward NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces for Las Vegas' first round pick in 2027, the team announced Monday. Forward Kaila Charles — who was signed to a hardship contract — was also released in order to complete the trade.
Smith was initially acquired by the Wings during a trade this past offseason. The 24-year-old averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per outing across 18 games played (15 starts) with Dallas. Before joining the Wings, Smith had spent the 2022-2024 seasons in Indiana with the Fever. Now, she will begin a new chapter in her WNBA career with the Aces.
Charles, 27, originally signed with the Wings before the season. She was later released but was signed to a hardship contract after Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsoder left for EuroBasket. With Geiselsoder and McCowan set to return this week, Charles would have been released regardless. Haley Jones — who was also on a hardship contract — was released on Sunday.
McCowan and Geiselsoder's returns may have played a role in the Wings deciding to trade Smith. Dallas now has plenty of forward/center depth with Li Yueru and Myisha Hines-Allen also on the roster. Finding playing time for all five players may have been difficult. Additionally, the Wings received a valuable first round pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft by trading Smith to the Aces.
With all of that being said, the decision was still surprising. At just 24 years old, Smith could have factored into Dallas' long-term plans. Her numbers may not have been terrific, but Smith still made an impact on the Wings. In the end, Dallas clearly felt that it was time to move in a different direction.
The Wings will play their first game of the 2025 WNBA season without NaLyssa Smith on Thursday night against the Phoenix Mercury. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM EST.
