Aces all but complete return of championship core
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) high-fives forward Nalyssa Smith (3) after scoring during a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries, Sunday August 3, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev. With most of the core players from last year’s championship-winning Las Vegas Aces team either back or preparing to return, one of the final dominoes has now fallen into place. On Monday, Aces team president and general manager Nikki Fargas announced the official re-signing of NaLyssa Smith, the center who joined Las Vegas on June 30 in a trade with the Dallas Wings.
“After joining us halfway through the season last year, NaLyssa made an immediate impact and quickly established herself as a vital asset to our roster,” said Fargas in a statement. “Throughout our championship run, she illustrated how versatile and multifaceted her game can be, and we are excited to watch her expand those capabilities this season. ” After joining the Aces, Smith became the frontcourt complement to A’ja Wilson that the team had been looking for all season.
Her numbers increased with the Aces, going from averaging 6. 7 points per game and 4. 9 rebounds per game with the Wings to 8.
2 points and 5. 3 rebounds in her new home. Smith also contributed towards the Aces’ championship run, adding 7.
1 points, five rebounds and a block per game across all 12 playoff contests. “I’m super excited to be returning for a full year alongside the best players in the league and best coach in the league,” said Smith. “I wanted to come back to take full advantage of my opportunity and chase another championship.