NaLyssa Smith’s 2025 WNBA season was eventful, to say the least. After starting the year with the Dallas Wings, many expected her to create a tandem with Paige Bueckers and have an amazing year. However, things didn’t quite work out, and the team traded her to the Las Vegas Aces mid-season. But the trade came as a blessing in disguise, as it allowed her to be a part of the eventual champions. And now, after being done with all the celebrations, she has finally revealed something about the Aces’ championship journey that seemed like an open secret to many.

The Las Vegas Aces may have swept the 2025 WNBA Finals, but their playoff run was anything but smooth. Riding a 16-game win streak, they were expected to steamroll the Seattle Storm, well, until the Storm pushed them to a tight Game 3 to reach the semifinals. Then came the Indiana Fever, who made the defending champs scrap for every possession. Reflecting on the run, NaLyssa Smith admitted that the matchup with Indiana was, without question, their toughest series of the playoffs.

Discussing the same on the latest episode of Just Women’s Sports podcast, Smith said, “I would probably have to say the Fever, honestly, which hurts me to say. No, I’m playing. But I would have to say the Fever for sure because I feel like they just played with nothing to lose. I feel like when you are down like players and you know, it’s an abnormal season, it just forces you to have to play out your body. So I feel like that’s kind of what they did. And kudos to them.”

After three incredibly successful seasons with the Indiana Fever, NaLyssa was limited to just 13 minutes in the Indiana Fever’s 2024 playoff campaign. That signaled to her a lack of trust from the coaches, and in the following offseason, she was traded to the Dallas Wings.

And even though she joined the Aces mid-season and was even upset with the trade, she found a role for herself. Sure, she was coming off the bench, but she was responsible for leading the team during some crucial moments during the Aces’ most difficult series against the Indiana Fever. Let’s not forget that while the Aces were a three-woman show, majorly, the entire Fever squad showed why they belonged in the conversation.

So, her praise despite the history is a true testament to how much the Indiana Fever’s resilience impressed even their opponents. Dealing with injury after injury, Indiana’s gritty performances, led by Kelsey Mitchell, pushed the Las Vegas Aces to overtime in Game 5 of the semifinals.  In a close game, the Fever were right there and could have even won had Kelsey Mitchell not gotten injured and Aliyah Boston not fouled out.

Even coach Becky Hammon had admitted her opponent’s grit, saying, “They would just not go away. The resiliency of (White’s) group. They went through a lot of adversity this year and for Steph to keep everybody onboard … I thought they did an unbelievable job all the way around. They just gas-pedaled the whole time, and it was tough for us.”

In the end, the basketball gods favored the Aces, and now, with Smith’s champion status secured, the next step for her would be to figure out her future.

Will NaLyssa Smith return to the Las Vegas Aces?

Just like 80% of the WNBA, NaLyssa Smith is also going to be a free agent this offseason. However, in her case, she will be a restricted free agent. While the free agency situation is a little murky right now, as soon as the CBA is finalized, there will be a big rush to lock up players. Sure, the Las Vegas Aces would have bigger priorities, but bringing NaLyssa Smith back should be a big one as well. She was acquired by the team in exchange for a future first-round pick. Therefore, to ensure that their investment pays all the dividends, they need to bring her back.

An Advantage is the label attached. If NaLyssa signs an offer sheet with any other team, the Aces would get the right to match that offer. While that does relieve a bit of the pressure, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the negotiations will be very tough after the new CBA is finalized. Still, Smith, as it seems, would like to remain with the team. After all, it reminds her of when she used to play at Baylor, and she is in complete awe of their culture.

“The energy, when you’re in a winning culture, that’s the standard. The energy is to come in, work, do your job,” Smith had said.

Till now, all the signs, from both the team and NaLyssa Smith, are pointing towards a return for the 2026 WNBA season and defending their crown. Whether it comes to fruition or not? Only time will tell.