WNBA Trade Overview: Nalyssa Smith To Las Vegas Aces

Trade Overview

• Trade Date: June 30, 2025

• Teams Involved: Dallas Wings ↔ Las Vegas Aces

• Swap Details: Dallas sent forward NaLyssa Smith to Las Vegas in exchange for the Aces’ 2027 first-round draft pick 

For the Aces

• Frontcourt reinforcement: With frontcourt injuries (Cheyenne Parker‑Tyus expecting, Megan Gustafson sidelined) and underproduction from Kiah Stokes, Smith provides immediate size, athleticism, and rebounding

• Win-now move: Currently sitting around .500 (~7–7), Las Vegas is all-in for a postseason push—so sacrificing a 2027 pick matches their ambitions

For the Wings

• Asset accumulation: With frontcourt depth (Li Yueru, Myisha Hines‑Allen) and the return of Teaira McCowan / Luisa Geiselsöder, they can afford to trade Smith and prioritize future through draft capital

NaLyssa Smith’s Reaction

She was caught off guard, expressing on X:

“sick to my stomach dawg, never seen this coming but … i love you dallas nation, thank you 4 everything.”“on another note tho if i could’ve chose anywhere to go it would’ve been vegas so hella excited 4 this new opportunity wit my goat.”

Smith seemed equally upset and hopeful—grateful to Dallas, but enthusiastic about joining forces with A’ja Wilson.

To finalize the trade, Dallas waived guard Kaila Charles from a hardship contract.

Dallas will need to reconfigure its frontcourt rotation, while Las Vegas gains a fresh inside option.

Future outlook:

• Aces: Must convert this immediate upgrade into wins.

• Wings: Now hold a 2027 pick in a draft projected to feature talents like Juju Watkins—adds long-term flexibility