Calls Mount For Indiana Fever Player To Be Traded After WNBA Season

The Indiana Fever are headed back to the drawing board after getting swept in the first round of the WNBA playoffs by the Connecticut Sun.

Following their Game 2 loss to the Sun, Fever fans demanded that Indiana make a vital change to its roster. Many fans believe that NaLyssa Smith should be traded from the organization.

Smith, who played four minutes against Connecticut in Game 2, was a starter for the Fever coming into the season. She played a large role in the coaching staff’s scheme, starting in 37 of 40 games, but her minutes slowly diminished throughout the season.

Given the Fever’s need for talent in the frontcourt, fans believe Smith should be shipped elsewhere since they don’t see her fitting in head coach Christie Sides’ system.

“Nalyssa smith is a liability and gotta go,” said one fan.

“Cool, can you please trade Nalyssa Smith now?” questioned another fan.

“Will be shocked if NaLyssa Smith don’t request a trade.” mentioned one fan.

“Fever might have to trade Nalyssa Smith this summer ngl lol,” commented one fan.
“Indiana Fever new president will fire Lin Dunn and Christie Sides tomorrow and in the offseason trade NaLyssa Smith and sign Kelsey Mitchell and SATOU SABALLY to max contracts! Fever will become the vintage Golden State Warriors of the WNBA! Please make it happen Satou!!” said one fan.

“Indiana Fever need to trade NaLyssa Smith it’s too much,” said another fan.

Throughout the 2024 season, Smith averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. She’s playing in her third year in the league after being drafted out of Baylor in 2022.

Smith is still on her rookie contract, set to earn $91,981 in 2025. The Fever exercised her fourth-year rookie option during the 2024 season. Smith is set to become a restricted free agent in 2026, meaning she can sign an offer sheet with another team, but the Fever could retain the forward if they choose to match the offer sheet.

The Fever had a successful season in 2024, securing a 20-20 record. They secured 20 wins for the first time since 2015 and made the postseason for the first time since 2016.

Indiana made a strong jump from their 2023 campaign, which was Christie Sides’ first season leading the Fever. After earning the No. 6 seed in the WNBA playoffs in 2024, Sides and company may need to make some difficult decisions.

If Fever fans have a choice, they believe trading Smith should be a priority for Indiana