Las Vegas Aces Trade 2027 First-Round Pick for NaLyssa Smith

The Las Vegas Aces acquired forward NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings in a surprising midseason trade, sending a 2027 first-round draft pick to Dallas. Smith, who had a dip in performance with the Wings, averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds this season but previously posted stronger numbers, including a 15.5 points per game season with the Indiana Fever. The Wings, rebuilding around 2025 top pick Paige Bueckers, gained valuable draft capital in return and appear to be positioning for the future, holding multiple first-round picks in the coming years. The Aces, struggling this season after back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 with an 8-8 record, hope Smith's change of scenery will reignite her production and help address their inconsistency. To facilitate the trade, the Wings released guard Kaila Charles, while the Aces waived two players to free salary cap space, signaling potential further roster moves. The trade also has a personal dimension, as Smith and fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington, her girlfriend, are now separated geographically, adding an emotional layer to the transaction.