DiJonai Carrington in uniformDiJonai Carrington (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
DiJonai Carrington is not a happy camper this week.

The WNBA community learned news of an unexpected trade finalized on June 30. It involves the Las Vegas Aces, who broke this trade with an X post on Monday that read, “Las Vegas has acquired NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings in exchange for the Aces’ 2027 First Round Pick.”

The Dallas Wings traded Smith to the Las Vegas Aces, and the deal clearly blindsided her.

“Sick to my stomach dawg, never seen this coming but.. I love you Dallas nation, thank you 4 everything,” she wrote on X after news of the trade came out.


It was announced on Monday that the Aces acquired Smith, who has been struggling this year, for a 2027 first-round pick.

 

The Wings have been struggling this year, owning a 1-11 record. Smith has not been good with the team, averaging 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds, both career lows, over 18 games.

What made her even more sick to her stomach was that she had to leave the team and be away from her girlfriend, DiJonai Carrington.

They were teammates previously at Baylor and have had a relationship ever since.

When the news dropped, Carrington simply posted a broken-heart emoji on X, followed by a separate post with pictures of herself and Smith on and off the court.

When Will DiJonai Carrington Return to The Court?

Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington (21) during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Washington Mystics at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Wings are getting closer to being at almost full strength. Paige Bueckers missed Saturday’s 79-71 win against the Washington Mystics due to a knee injury.

Barring a setback, Bueckers will likely return for Dallas’ next contest against the Phoenix Mercury.

She isn’t the only one who has missed time.

When will DiJonai Carrington, who is dealing with a rib injury, return to the court?

“Unique, just being extremely cautious and trusting our medical team,” head coach Chris Koclanes said of Carrington’s injury situation while speaking to reporters before Saturday’s contest.

“But encouraged that she will be back on the floor sooner than you think.”

Carrington has been listed as doubtful before each of the Wings’ past two games.

Thursday’s matchup represents the final contest of the Wings’ four-game home stand. Dallas will depart for a three-game road trip next Monday.