Another day, another trade deal in the WNBA. After the likes of Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd left behind a chatter with a massive three-way deal, three more teams have stepped in to take the reins. But the loudest noise? Expect it from the Indiana Fever fans. Their voices around NaLyssa Smith seem to have been heard and the enthusiasts have a bit to say. Plus, they got a solid return too.

According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, the Fever completed a three-way trade, sending Smith and the No. 8 pick to the Dallas Wings. In exchange, they received Sophie Cunningham from Phoenix and the No. 19 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. This move allows the team to gain a 6-foot-1 guard who shot 37.8% from deep last season.

Not just that—she’s averaging 8.4 points with 3.9 rebounds per game.

Smith’s exit is not a surprise for many due to the ongoing tension between her and the Fever fanbase. While there was support, some made it clear they didn’t want her in Indiana. The situation escalated further when Smith shared a cryptic Instagram story: “Life is all about knowin yo worth, don’t stay nowhere u not wanted n appreciated.”

Though her brother later clarified it wasn’t basketball-related, the damage was done. Fans had already taken it as yet another sign of Smith’s ongoing detachment from the Fever. And now that she’s been traded, they are once again sharing their perspectives.

As NaLyssa Smith’s tumultuous Fever stint ends, fans react to fresh start for Caitlin Clark & Co.

The tension with fans wasn’t the only reason this trade felt inevitable. Smith had already voiced concerns about her diminishing role with the Fever, the team adding veteran forward Natasha Howard did not lean in favor either. Howard, a three-time WNBA champion, is now expected to pair up with Aliyah Boston to solidify Indiana’s frontcourt. So, here come the fans in the comment section.

“NaLyssa Smith was so bad at basketball. She actively punted games for the Fever. If not for nothing else, this is all-time great addition by subtraction,” shared a spectator. In the 2024 WNBA season, Smith averaged 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. While these numbers indicate solid contribution, they’re not up to expectations for a former No. 2 overall draft pick.

But this isn’t the only reason for frustration among fans. Ever since DiJonai Carrington, a guard from the No. 1 defensive team, fouled Clark, she drew strong hatred. Girlfriend NaLyssa Smith was soon dragged too. “Finally freed of the shackles that is NaLyssa Smith & DiJonai Carrington.” But the matter escalated further when Smith saw limited minutes and Carrington had jumped in on a conversation.

But for the Fever, this trade isn’t just about cutting ties—it’s about setting up their new-look team for success. With Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Boston, Howard, and now Cunningham, the Fever have a well-balanced lineup featuring both offensive firepower and defensive toughness.

“Thank God the Fever moved on from NaLyssa Smith,” added another user.

Cunningham’s ability to space the floor will be key, giving Clark more room to operate and making Indiana an even bigger threat from beyond the arc. As for Smith, her next chapter remains to be seen. But Indiana Fever fans aren’t bothered. “Got rid of NaLyssa Smith? Yeah, good deal,” one posted. But it wasn’t all a celebration in favor of Indiana. A few fans expressed relief that Smith was going to be with a team that could better suit her.

“I’m a little late but my dawg NALYSSA SMITH IS FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” added one. The forward averaged her career-low this past season in scoring, minutes, and rebounds. She also played only 4 and 9 minutes in the post-season games, sparking debate. But now with her overseas performance drawing attention, Smith will be heading into a fresh start.

But for Indiana, the choice was clear. Fans were ready to move on, and now, so is the team.