NaLyssa Smith, one of the rising stars of the Indiana Fever, appears to be discontent with her current role on the team, and rumors are swirling that she may seek a trade during the offseason. While she still has one year left on her contract with the Fever, recent actions on social media have sparked speculation that her time with the franchise may be coming to an end.
The first signs of unrest came from a subtle but telling change in Smith’s Instagram bio. The 24-year-old forward removed any mention of the Indiana Fever, now simply listing “WNBA” instead of her team. This small yet profound update has raised eyebrows, especially considering the frustrations Smith has reportedly been harboring throughout the 2024 season.
Smith, who averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and one assist per game this season, finished fourth in scoring for the Fever. However, her performances were inconsistent, with standout games where she scored over 20 points and others where she struggled to reach five.
Compounding her frustration, Smith saw her minutes dwindle toward the end of the regular season and into the playoffs, where she played a mere 13 total minutes across two games.
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Her frustration with the team’s rotation and her role has been brewing since early in the season. Back in May, it was already evident that Smith wasn’t happy with her usage under head coach Christie Sides. As the season progressed, her dissatisfaction only grew, and her limited role in the playoffs seems to have been the final straw.
Adding fuel to the fire, Smith’s girlfriend, fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington, publicly demanded that Smith be “freed” from the Indiana Fever shortly after the Fever’s season-ending loss to Carrington’s team, the Connecticut Sun. Carrington’s call for a trade echoed sentiments that Smith herself seems to share, as she visibly disengaged from her association with the Fever on social media.
With her Instagram bio no longer referencing the Fever and a follow-up post leaning into the growing drama, Smith’s actions are a clear signal of her desire to leave Indiana.
While she has one more year left on her contract, she will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season. This puts both Smith and the Fever in a tricky situation heading into the offseason.
Several scenarios could play out in the coming months:
- Smith Requests a Trade: Smith could formally request a trade from the Fever, and the team may agree to move her. This would allow Indiana to get some value in return for a player who clearly no longer wants to be there.
- The Fever Decline to Trade: Indiana could choose to deny her trade request, keeping her on the roster and hoping to either work out the issues or make the best of the situation.
- Smith Plays Out Her Contract: Despite her frustrations, Smith could play out the remainder of her contract with the Fever, hoping to increase her stock as she heads into free agency after the 2025 season.
- Smith Sits Out: In a more drastic scenario, Smith could refuse to play for the Fever next season, essentially forcing the team’s hand either to trade her or allow her to sit out while still under contract.
- WNBA Expansion Draft: With the WNBA expansion looming, Smith could potentially be selected by a new team like the anticipated Valkyrie in the expansion draft, providing an indirect route out of Indiana.
As the offseason unfolds, the situation between NaLyssa Smith and the Fever is one to watch closely. Smith’s dissatisfaction, combined with Carrington’s public support, suggests that a trade request may be imminent. How the Fever respond could set the tone for what could be a contentious few months ahead.
Stay tuned, as this saga is far from over. The future of one of the league’s most promising young talents is now clouded with uncertainty, and the offseason could bring major changes to both Smith’s career and the Fever’s roster.
