NaLyssa Smith‘s trade to the Las Vegas Aces has not only altered her career trajectory but also separated her from girlfriend and teammate DiJonai Carrington, reigniting fan debate over one of the league’s most beloved relationships.
The Dallas Wings‘ decision to trade NaLyssa Smith for a 2027 first-round draft pick sent shockwaves through the WNBA community – and through the LGBTQ+ sports world as well.
The move broke up one of the sport’s most visible same-sex couples in the form of Smith and DiJonai Carrington, whose chemistry both on and off the court had quickly made them fan favorites.
The 24-year-old Smith was open about her disappointment, taking to social media to express her emotions as she departed from the College Park Center and away from rookie teammate Paige Bueckers.
“Sick to my stomach dawg, never seen this coming but… I love you Dallas Nation, thank you 4 everything,” Smith wrote on X.com, formerly Twitter, in a heartfelt post that came just months after she and Carrington reunited in Dallas.
Having previously played together at Baylor University during the 2020-21 season, the pair advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The 27-year-old Carrington responded to the trade news by posting photos of the couple together, accompanied by broken heart and infinity emojis.
Smith reposted it with, “I love you wifeyyyy take care of tha kidsss.”
Online reactions were intense. Some supporters labeled the move “the most homophobic trade in WNBA history.” The exchange quickly went viral, with fans lamenting the separation of one of women’s basketball’s most adored pairs.
Others, meanwhile, criticized how the league handles player communication before trades, as popular TikTok sports commentator Coach Jackie joked that “the WNBA is breaking hearts one trade at a time.”
Despite the emotional fallout, the transaction had strategic logic. The Aces, who had struggled through midseason inconsistency, sought to strengthen their lineup alongside three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson. That move now appears to be paying off the Las Vegas Aces lead the WNBA Finals 2-0 against the Phoenix Mercury ahead of Game 3, and are closing in on another championship title.
Meanwhile, the Wings capitalized on a rare opportunity to acquire a valuable future draft pick after three years without a first-round selection prior to 2025, when they selected Bueckers first overall.
How did DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith begin dating?
Smith and Carrington‘s relationship began at Baylor, where their shared competitiveness and friendship evolved into a romance that fans have followed closely ever since.
Carrington, the daughter of former NFL player Darren Carrington, has built a strong reputation in the league for her defensive versatility, leadership on the court, and her presence off it.
The couple often shared glimpses of their life together, from training sessions to community events, becoming role models for LGBTQ+ representation in women’s sports.
Their on-court reunion with the Wings in 2025 was seen as a full-circle moment – until Smith’s unexpected departure.
Now, Smith plays for the defending Las Vegas Aces, a powerhouse team that previously captured back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 and is currently two wins away from another WNBA championship.
Reflecting on the transition, Smith later posted: “On another note tho if I could’ve chose anywhere to go it would’ve been Vegas.”
For the Aces, the addition of Smith has provided much-needed scoring depth and energy following a season marked by injuries, including Wilson‘s concussion-related absence and ongoing roster adjustments.
For the Wings, meanwhile, the move signals a longer-term rebuilding strategy centered on future draft assets as they continue developing their young core ahead of the 2026 season.
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