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

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.

MORE: Las Vegas Aces announce two players waived in NaLyssa Smith trade

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.
 

Endia Berger

Endia Berger is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. She has a rich background in sports media and journalism, contributing to TNT Sports, the NCAA, USA Football and more. With a deep passion for storytelling, she is committed to crafting stories that highlight the excitement and human elements of the games we love.