Former Fever Player Returns to Indiana After Unexpected Trade Decision
Fresh off their historic Commissioner's Cup championship, the Indiana Fever return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday for a home game against the Las Vegas Aces.
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Unfortunately, Caitlin Clark has been ruled out of the matchup already as the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year sits out a fourth straight contest due to a lingering groin injury.
Another player who the fans will have an eye on in this one will be NaLyssa Smith, who is set to make her debut for the Aces following her mid-season trade from the Dallas Wings.
Las Vegas is Smith's third team in the span of just five months after the Fever traded her to the Wings in February. The former 6-foot-4 forward was delighted with her move to Dallas as it brought her closer to her girlfriend, Wings guard DiJonai Carrington.
Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith covers her face with her jersey. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This is one of the reasons why Smith admitted that she was "sick to my stomach" after learning about Dallas' unexpected trade decision.
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On Wednesday, the Aces took to Instagram to share a collection of photos of Smith practicing with her new teammates. What makes the post quite interesting is the fact that they were taken inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse's practice facility.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Smith's first game with her new team will be against the Fever, which is the same side that selected her second overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft. The former Baylor star spent the first three seasons of her career in Indianapolis, which means that Thursday's game is going to be a homecoming of sorts for Smith.
It will be intriguing to see what type of reception she gets from the Indiana faithful and if the Fever will acknowledge Smith in her return to her former stomping ground.
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Related: Former No. 2 Overall Pick Gets Honest on Indiana Fever Trade
Related: Caitlin Clark Responds to Fever Coach's 'Cut' From $500,000 Prize Money
Related: Former Fever Player Reveals Striking Similarity Between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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