The Las Vegas Aces announced Thursday that NaLyssa Smith is out for the season because of a leg injury. Smith suffered the non-contact injury Sunday against the Toronto Tempo, but the team did not reveal the severity until several days later.
The news immediately raised another question around the defending champions. Should Las Vegas have gone after DeWanna Bonner when the veteran forward became available following her buyout with the Phoenix Mercury?
WNBA World Questions Aces’ Roster Decisions After NaLyssa Smith’s Season Comes to an End
The Aces have not provided details about Smith’s injury, but the scene on Sunday suggested it was serious. During a transition play late in the third quarter, Smith caught a pass from Jackie Young before suddenly crumpling to the floor. She eventually got back up, but teammates had to help her off the court.
The timing only added to the questions surrounding the Aces.
Aces forward NaLyssa Smith will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a non-contact leg injury, the team announced.
The Aces did not disclose the exact injury or whether Smith will require surgery. pic.twitter.com/GzGXCV6ACH
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 27, 2026
The following day, the Mercury announced that they reached a buyout agreement with Bonner, allowing the 17-year veteran to pursue another championship opportunity. She remained on the waiver wire for a couple of days before the Atlanta Dream announced Thursday that they had signed her for the rest of the season.
With Smith’s status finally confirmed and Bonner heading to Atlanta, the WNBA community had plenty to say.
“More reason why they should’ve got Bonner,” a WNBA observer tweeted.
More reason why they should’ve got Bonner
— 🔋💰 (@JorAlmighty) August 27, 2026
“And we didn’t sign DeWanna Bonner?” an Aces supporter questioned.
“Oh, they need Bonner now,” another WNBA observer remarked.
Bonner, who has made no secret of her desire to chase another championship, also became the target of some trolling.
“Wen ATL gets knocked out in the first round, DB can pull off the final move,” an X user wrote.
Wen ATL gets knocked out in the first round DB can pull off the final move.
— Maumau Chapchap (@apeinafarm) August 27, 2026
Still, the bigger concern for Las Vegas is what Smith’s absence means for the team’s playoff chances.
“I knew it. It’s over for the Aces this year!” another X user commented.
I knew it. It’s over for the Aces this year!
— PutItOnDaR3cord ♍️ 💫 (@PutItOnDaR3cord) August 27, 2026
“Devastating,” an LMU alum wrote.
Two major factors likely played into the Aces missing out on Bonner. First, the team did not yet know the extent of Smith’s injury. Second, and perhaps more importantly, Las Vegas did not have the same cap flexibility Atlanta had when Bonner became available.
Smith has quietly become an important part of the Aces’ frontcourt since arriving from Dallas in June 2025. The 6-foot-4 bruiser is averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds this year and has provided a strong complement alongside reigning four-time MVP A’ja Wilson.
The former Indiana Fever star’s absence could likely be more notable on the glass. Las Vegas averages 33.5 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 7 in the WNBA, along with 7.7 offensive rebounds per game, third-worst in the league. Smith ranks ninth in the league with 2.2 offensive rebounds per game and sits 18th in overall rebounds.
The Aces could struggle even more without her roaming the paint.
Bonner, meanwhile, averaged 10.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.5 apg and 1.2 spg for Phoenix this season. While she doesn’t provide the same physical presence as Smith, the six-time All-Star offers plenty of versatility and postseason experience.
The Aces now have to move forward without either Smith or Bonner. Whether Las Vegas can find another answer before the playoffs will go a long way toward determining how costly the timing of Smith’s injury becomes.
