The Las Vegas Aces acquired forward NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings in exchange for their 2027 first-round WNBA Draft pick on Monday. The move adds size and versatility to a struggling Las Vegas frontcourt while ending a short tenure for Smith in her home state.
To finalize the deal, Las Vegas waived rookie center Liz Kitley and veteran guard Tiffany Mitchell. Dallas, whose hardship roster status expired with the return of multiple players from international duty, released forward Kaila Charles.
Smith, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft and a former Baylor national champion, had spent her first three seasons with the Indiana Fever before joining the Wings in a four-team trade this past February. She averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds on 42.5 percent shooting in 18 games with Dallas while playing just under 20 minutes per contest—each figure marking a career low. The Wings opened the season 1-11 before winning four of their last six games.
On social media, Smith expressed surprise and emotion at the news: “sick to my stomach dawg , never seen this coming but .. i love you dallas nation, thank you 4 everything.” She also added she was excited for the opportunity to play alongside A’ja Wilson in Las Vegas.
Smith Seeks Fresh Start; Aces Aim to Address Depth
Smith was an All-Rookie Team selection in 2022 and posted her best numbers in 2023, averaging 15.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 28.5 minutes per game for the Fever. But her role shrank last season as Indiana shifted focus toward Caitlin Clark’s arrival, and her stint in Dallas never fully stabilized.
With Las Vegas off to a disappointing 8-8 start after back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023, head coach Becky Hammon has emphasized the need for improved energy and execution—particularly in second halves. The Aces parted with their 2026 first-round pick in the trade for Jewell Loyd and will now go without another first-rounder until 2028.
Smith joins a frontcourt rotation anchored by Wilson and Kiah Stokes and is expected to provide two-way versatility and rebounding depth. The Aces also waived Mitchell, who averaged 3.7 points in 16 games this season, and Kitley, who appeared in 12 games as a rookie.
Las Vegas has struggled to find consistent contributions outside of Wilson and Jackie Young, with Hammon turning to younger players like rookie Aaliyah Nye in recent weeks. Smith, still only 24, brings playoff experience and upside if she can recapture her Indiana form.
Dallas Clears Frontcourt Logjam as Key Players Return
For Dallas, the move frees up rotation space and adds long-term flexibility with a valuable future draft asset from a perennial contender. Smith rotated between small-ball five and traditional four roles in Dallas, but never carved out a steady starting job. Her minutes often fluctuated amid roster injuries and shifting lineups.
The Wings also released Charles, whose hardship contract expired with the return of Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder from EuroBasket. Charles had been waived on June 14 but rejoined the team three days later. She averaged 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17 appearances, providing energy off the bench during a shorthanded stretch.
“They should be back for our Phoenix game,” Wings head coach Chris Koclanes said of McCowan and Geiselsöder after Saturday’s win over Washington.
Geiselsöder had emerged as a surprise contributor before her national team stint, averaging 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across her final five games. McCowan, who last played June 6, has averaged 5.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in a bench role this season.
Meanwhile, recently acquired center Li Yueru has stepped into an expanded role, averaging 7.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in her last five games. With Smith’s departure and the return of McCowan and Geiselsöder, Dallas moves forward with its deepest frontcourt rotation of the season.
