DiJonai Carrington At Loss For Words After Vegas Trade Reacting With Just Emojis 1 Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith (1) and guard DiJonai Carrington (21) look on from the team bench during the first half against the Washington Mystics at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

DiJonai Carrington At Loss For Words After Vegas Trade Reacting With Just Emojis

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 3:20 PM ET

It’s never easy when basketball and real life collide—and for DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith, the Dallas Wings’ latest move hit way deeper than just the box score.

In a surprise decision, the Wings traded Smith to the Las Vegas Aces for a 2027 first-round pick. It was a business move, sure—but for Carrington and Smith, who’ve been openly in a relationship, it felt like more than that. It was a gut punch.

Carrington didn’t need many words. After the trade went public, she simply posted a broken heart emoji on X. Later, she followed that up with photos of her and Smith, captioned with a bandaged heart, infinity symbol, and some plus signs—letting fans know their bond remains strong, even if they’re now playing on different sides.

The couple had just started their first season together after Carrington was traded in from Phoenix and Smith landed in Dallas via Indiana. On paper, Smith had a quiet stint—averaging 6.7 points and just under 5 rebounds over 18 games. Carrington, on the other hand, found her groove, averaging 11.8 points, 5.1 boards, and 2.1 assists per outing.

But stats don’t tell the whole story—and the emotional impact of the trade was clear.

“Take Care of the Kidsss”: NaLyssa Smith Sends Message to DiJonai Carrington After Trade

Smith didn’t hold back in her reaction to the trade. Shocked by the move, she wrote:

“Sick to my stomach dawg, never seen this coming but I love you Dallas nation, thank you 4 everything.”

DiJonai Carrington At Loss For Words After Vegas Trade Reacting With Just Emojis 2 Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington (21) during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Washington Mystics at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

But it was her follow-up message to DiJonai Carrington that really hit fans in the feels.

“I love you wifeyyyy take care of tha kidsss,” she posted, referring to their shared life off the court.

DiJonai Carrington At Loss For Words After Vegas Trade Reacting With Just Emojis 3 Jun 17, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates with Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington (21) during the first half against the Golden State Valkyries at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The trade gives Smith a chance at a fresh start in Vegas and maybe a shot at revitalizing her career. But for now, both she and DiJonai Carrington are navigating the harsh reality of WNBA trades—where love and loyalty sometimes have to stretch across city lines.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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