Indiana Fever's latest moves leave Caitlin Clark without NaLyssa Smith but with a new partner
The Indiana Fever have made a significant roster adjustment, parting ways with NaLyssa Smith in a trade that brings Sophie Cunningham to the team. This move signals a new direction
01/02/2025 - 08:10 CST
The Indiana Fever have made a significant roster adjustment, parting ways with NaLyssa Smith in a trade that brings Sophie Cunningham to the team. This move signals a new direction for the franchise as they continue building around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Smith, selected second overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft, had a mixed tenure in Indiana. While showing flashes of potential, her inconsistency and apparent frustration with the franchise led to tension with the fanbase. Following the signing of Natasha Howard from the Dallas Wings on Friday morning, speculation grew that Smith's time with the Fever was coming to an end.
Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell's emotional reunion has Indiana Fever fans buzzing
A few hours later, that was confirmed when she was traded to Dallas as part of a three-team deal that sent Cunningham from the Phoenix Mercury to Indiana.
Following the trade announcement, Wings star Arike Ogunbowale took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge Smith's immediate embrace of her new team.
"Instagram bio changed so fast. I love it. Welcome! @NaLyssaSmith," Ogunbowale posted, referring to how Smith wasted no time updating her social media from @indianafever to @dallaswings.
Smith responded with enthusiasm, sharing a pregame photo of herself and Ogunbowale embracing and captioning it, "FUGGIT LETS DOITTTTTT."
The move offers Smith a fresh start in Dallas, where she will team up with Ogunbowale and the likely No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, expected to be Paige Bueckers. Meanwhile, Indiana's focus shifts to integrating Cunningham alongside Clark and Boston as they aim to build on their promising 2024 season.
The first meeting between Smith and her former team will take place on June 27 when the Fever face the Wings during the 2025 WNBA regular season.