Trade rumours surrounding NaLyssa Smith, a standout forward for the Indiana Fever, have intensified as uncertainty looms over her future with the team. The 24-year-old player, who was draughted second overall by the Fever in 2022, has faced a challenging season, both on and off the court. These struggles, coupled with cryptic social media activity, have fuelled speculation that Smith could soon be leaving the Fever, leading to discussions among fans and analysts alike.
At the beginning of the season, Smith confidently set a personal goal: to dominate rebounding and contribute significantly to her team’s success. However, the season has not unfolded as she had envisioned. Her performance has been inconsistent, and her role on the team appears to have shifted, particularly during the WNBA playoffs when she saw limited playing time, especially in the first-round series against the Connecticut Sun, where her girlfriend, DiJonai Carrington, plays.
One of the key moments that sparked trade rumours was when Smith removed any reference to the Indiana Fever from her Instagram bio. This subtle but telling action sent fans into a frenzy, speculating that she may be seeking a fresh start elsewhere. The situation only became more complicated when Carrington publicly expressed support for Smith on social media, further fuelling rumours of a possible departure from Indiana.
Despite the growing chatter, Kelly Krauskopf, the Fever’s President of Basketball and Business Operations, recently addressed the rumours in a press conference. Krauskopf did not provide any definitive answers but acknowledged that Smith remains a crucial part of the team, despite the challenges faced this season. “NaLyssa is an incredible talent and has had a significant role in our team’s success this year,” Krauskopf said. “We’ll be reviewing everything and having conversations with her and her agent, but she is a key piece of our team going forward.”
Smith’s statistics this season have taken a hit compared to her impressive sophomore campaign. After averaging 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in her second year, her numbers dropped to 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season. The dip in her performance, coupled with her apparent dissatisfaction with her playing time, has raised concerns about her future with the Fever.
Adding to the intrigue is the ongoing speculation that Smith may seek a reunion with Caitlin Clark, a rising star in women’s basketball. Krauskopf hinted at this possibility during her press conference, stating, “If you’re a smart basketball player, you’d want to play alongside someone like Caitlin Clark.”
As Smith’s contract with the Fever approaches its final year, the trade rumours continue to swirl. Whether she stays with the Fever or seeks a new opportunity elsewhere, NaLyssa Smith’s future in the WNBA will undoubtedly be a topic of intense interest in the months to come.NEWS
