Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Aces add former second overall pick to beef up frontcourt

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 3:07 PM ET

In the midst of a season that is starting out somewhat below expectations, the Las Vegas Aces have added a new face to their frontcourt.

On Monday, the Aces completed a trade with the Dallas Wings that sees forward NaLyssa Smith head to Las Vegas in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick.

Selected by the Indiana Fever with the second overall pick of the 2022 WNBA Draft, Smith was traded to Dallas in a four-team trade in February. In 18 games with the Wings, Smith averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

The trade came as a shock across the WNBA, with Smith being just as surprised as fans of both teams. She made her feeling about the trade known in a pair of X posts, saying she was ‘sick to her stomach’ about the decision but also excited to land in Las Vegas.

sick to my stomach dawg , never seen this coming but .. i love you dallas nation, thank you 4 everything.

— #1 (@NaLyssaSmith) June 30, 2025

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 .

— #1 (@NaLyssaSmith) June 30, 2025

While it will take a bit for Smith to settle into a role with the Aces, it comes at a time when the team needs frontcourt depth.

The Aces have seen their frontcourt depth tested throughout the season, with Megan Gustafson and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus yet to play a game in 2025. The issue was compounded earlier this season when A’ja Wilson was forced to miss games due to being placed in the WNBA’s concussion protocol, leaving only Kiah Stokes and Elizabeth Kitley as the team’s only bigs for a spell. While the Aces have worked with Crystal Bradford and Joyner Holmes at different points, Smith provides what looks to be a clear solution on paper.

Smith will get her first chance at revenge when she returns to Dallas to face her former team on July 16.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: