### Heartbreak in the WNBA: DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith's Unexpected Separation The recent trade of NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings to the Las Vegas Aces has sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, particularly affecting her partner and teammate, DiJonai Carrington. The trade, which occurred at the end of June 2025, was unexpected and has left both players grappling with the emotional fallout. Carrington expressed her heartbreak, stating, "It was a lot of tears," highlighting the personal impact of the separation on their relationship and team dynamics [https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-it-lot-tears-dijonai-carrington-reveals-heartbreak-unexpected-separation-partner-nalyssa-smith-dallas-wings]. ### Breakdown of the Trade and Its Implications 1. **Trade Details**: NaLyssa Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Aces in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick. This move was part of a broader strategy by the Wings to reshape their roster [https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/wnba-dallas-wings-nalyssa-smith-traded-las-vegas-aces-2027-first-round-pick]. 2. **Emotional Reactions**: Both Carrington and Smith expressed their shock and sadness over the trade. Smith described feeling "sick to my stomach" and indicated that she never anticipated such a move [https://www.sbnation.com/wnba/2025/6/30/24459093/wnba-dallas-wings-las-vegas-aces-nalyssa-smith-draft-aja-wilson]. 3. **Team Strategy**: The Wings' head coach, Curt Miller, explained that the decision to trade Smith was part of a larger plan to enhance the team's future prospects, suggesting that they are looking to build a more competitive roster [https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/dallas-wings/wings-news-dallas-move-nalyssa-smith-trade-aces]. 4. **Community Response**: The trade has sparked significant discussion within the WNBA community, with many fans and analysts weighing in on the implications for both teams involved. The Aces are seen as strengthening their lineup, while the Wings are viewed as taking a risk for future gains [https://fansided.com/nba/wnba-trade-grades-aces-acquire-nalyssa-smith-from-wings-for-first-round-pick]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Player Performance**: NaLyssa Smith averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game during her time with the Wings, indicating her role as a solid contributor to the team [https://www.espn.co.uk/wnba/story/_/id/45619613/aces-acquire-nalyssa-smith-wings-2027-first-round-pick]. - **Trade Context**: The trade was executed just before a crucial matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, emphasizing the urgency and strategic timing of the move [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/dallas_wings_shake_up_roster_ahead_of_phoenix_mercury_matchup/s1_17087_42396353]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Both Players and Teams In summary, the trade of NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings to the Las Vegas Aces marks a significant turning point for both players and their respective teams. 1. **Emotional Impact**: The separation has deeply affected both Carrington and Smith, showcasing the personal stakes involved in professional sports. 2. **Strategic Moves**: The Wings are looking to the future with their trade strategy, while the Aces are bolstering their championship aspirations. 3. **Community Engagement**: The trade has ignited discussions among fans and analysts, reflecting the interconnectedness of personal and professional dynamics in sports. This situation underscores the complexities of player relationships and team strategies in the WNBA, as both players and organizations navigate the challenges of the league [https://www.themirror.com/sport/basketball/caitlin-clark-trade-nalyssa-smith-1236831].